The most magical night of the year arrives this Sunday with the Three Kings’ parades, which this year passed on Saturday through some cities, especially in Andalucia and Galicia, due to the forecast of rain for this day. Each procession of the Three Wise Men will be different. In cities like Malaga, the man responsible for portraying Balthazar will be Mansour Konte, the young man from Guinea-Conakry who rescued a woman paralyzed by fear during the floods that the city suffered in mid-November. In Zaragoza, the violinist Ara Malikian composed the soundtrack for the procession, while in Alicante, Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar will greet children from the bullring of the bullring.
In Madrid, the parade will start at six in the evening on Sunday from Nuevos Ministerios and will end at Plaza de Cibeles. Seats will be set up on both sides of the parade, from Emilio Castelar to Colón, with free access until full capacity, opening at 4:00 pm. There will be five marked and reserved points “for people with disabilities, especially wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility who cannot access the other seats in the stands”. The Three Kings will be accompanied by various spectacles, from flying angels, skating angels, giant frogs, sea creatures, and African toys. A company from Florence called Sbandieratori will amaze with juggling flags.
In Barcelona, the Three Kings will arrive on Sunday at Port Vell and will cross the city from the Marquès de l’Argentera avenue to the Font Màgica de Montjuïc. Those who wish can go to the beach of Somorrostro between 12:00 and 13:00 to see how the traditional galleon of the Three Kings, called Santa Eulàlia, navigates. After landing, they will be received by the Mayor of Barcelona. Later, Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar will walk through the city until the Plaza de España to conclude the parade under the iconic Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
In Valencia, about 200 musicians, 150 dancers, and 200 pages will accompany Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar in the Valencia parade on Sunday. More than 1,200 people will participate in the procession, with the presence of companies and groups from the areas affected by the floods. The Three Kings will arrive at the Marina de Valencia port at 4:30 pm. Many children gather each year in the harbor area to welcome them and accompany them to the starting point of the parade. The police on horseback will lead the floats through the streets until they reach the City Hall square, where Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar will stop at a nativity scene to worship the Child.
In Zaragoza, the Three Kings will be received this Sunday in style. The City Council has renewed floats, designed costumes, and composed music specifically for a dazzling parade inspired by famous painters and literary works. Ara Malikian has composed the soundtrack for an immersive experience during the parade. About 300 people will accompany the Three Kings, who will start their route at 6:00 pm through the city center under the theme Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. Inspired by the adorations painted by masters such as Rubens, Velázquez, and El Greco, they will be accompanied by craftsmen, musicians, children, animals, and scribes to collect last-minute letters.
In Malaga, one of the viral images during the November floods was Mansour Konte, a young man from Guinea-Conakry who rescued a paralyzed woman. As a result of his heroic act, he was chosen to represent Balthazar in the parade on Sunday. He will be one of the main characters in the procession that will start at 5:00 pm from the Town Hall. The route will take them through various streets until they reach the Cathedral to make an offering to the Child Jesus. Seats are available for sale along the route for those who wish to have a better view of the parade.
In Murcia, the parade will start on Sunday at 6:00 pm from the Infante Don Juan Manuel neighborhood and will pass through the city center to the Gran Vía where it will end at the Christmas tree in the Circular Plaza. The floats will distribute candies and toys among children, with various dance groups participating in the parade. The city has installed 20,000 seats along the route for spectators with disabilities. After the parade, the Kings will walk to the municipal nativity scene in the Palacio Episcopal courtyard, where a concert will be held by Orfeón Fernández Caballero.
In Palma, the Three Kings will arrive at Moll Vell on Sunday at 6:00 pm aboard the ship Rafael Verdera. Accompanied by a procession of 17 floats, 325 participants, and 2,000 kilos of sugar-free and gluten-free candies, they will make their way to the City Hall balcony in Cort Square. The parade will feature classic gift-themed floats, carriages, airplanes, spinning tops, stuffed animals, and rag dolls, as well as decorations inspired by traditional stories like Little Red Riding Hood, The Pied Piper of Hamelin, and Goldilocks. In Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the parade will feature 14 floats inspired by different worlds such as Disney, Star Wars, and acrobats, accompanied by 400 dancers and performers. The parade will start at 4:30 pm and will run from north to south through the city, culminating in a night of festivities in the commercial area of Triana.
In Alicante, the Kings will arrive at the Port of Alicante on Sunday and will greet children from the bullring before the parade begins at 7:00 pm. The procession will distribute 5,000 kilos of soft and gluten-free candies and 2,000 toys. The show will feature three dance groups, starting with an inflatable star. The city has set up 6,000 seats for spectators along the route. In Bilbao, the Three Kings will arrive by boat escorted by several tugboats and will parade through the city from 6:00 pm until they reach the City Hall at 8:00 pm. The parade will feature characters from movies like Moana, Lilo & Stitch, Madagascar, and Ice Age. In Vigo, due to heavy rain forecasts, a static and indoor parade will be held at Ifevi fairgrounds, where people can visit the floats and the Kings.
Ultimately, regardless of the weather or the venue, the Three Kings’ parades will bring joy and excitement to children and families across Spain, creating unforgettable memories and celebrating the spirit of the season. Each city has prepared unique and special events to welcome Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar, making this magical night truly unforgettable for everyone involved.
