Reyes Magos, Madrid

Reyes Magos, Madrid

One of the popular events that feature in the cultural list of Madrid is the day of the arrival of the Three kings - Reyes Magos. A popular cultural tradition in Spain is the day of the Three Kings (Reyes Magos) that is held annually in the month of January. According to the popular belief, Friday is said to be the day of the Feast of the Epiphany, when Christians say the Three Kings arrived to give the baby Jesus gifts. The city of Madrid, Spain marks the occasion with a huge parade, marching bands and reenactment of the biblical story.

On this day of popular event, thousands of people throng the streets and corners of Madrid to witness the arrival of the Three kings - Reyes Magos. People eagerly wait at different points for the arrival of Kings Magos of East.

Every town and city celebrates this event in different styles, distinct to other towns and cities in Spain. The celebrations vary immensely from town to town. Celebrations take the form of theatrical re-enactments, traditional pageants or the more common sweet distribution for children. Madrid opts for the latter of the three. Sweets are distributed among all the people in every corner. Thirty carriages equipped with about 7000 kilos of sweets take to the streets between El Retiro Park and the Plaza Mayor. The exotic Kings from the Orient, along with helpers, greet the crowds with handfuls of sweets and smiles. At the end of the procession there are numerous interesting activities for children in the Plaza Mayor- main venue of theatrical activities.The people and mainly the children have a time of their life on the arrival of the three kings at Madrid.

People don't mind bearing the January chill and come out in huge masses to revel in the festive mood that very much hangs heavy in the air. Hoards of people turn up to bear witness to the event. Last few years have witnessed a huge turnout of people, estimated as high as half a million. This event is bound to leave people of Madrid with a heavy dose of sweet memories that makes them wait for another year and they eagerly look forward to Reyes Magos.

At the end of the day the Magicians of East or the Three kings will send their message to the Madrilenians from the Palace of Communications. Spectacles of dance and music put the finishing touch to the parade that starts between 5pm-6pm.

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