Barcelona is a city known for its vibrant culture and rich traditions, and Three Kings’ Day in Barcelona (El Día de los Reyes Magos) is one of its most magical and significant celebrations. Also called the Epiphany, this holiday, celebrated on 6th January, commemorates the biblical story of the Three Wise Men (Magi) visiting baby Jesus and marks the conclusion of the Christmas season.
Known as ‘Dia de los tres Reyes’ in Spanish and ‘Dia de Reis’ in Catalan, this day is when families exchange the “biggest” presents, while Christmas Day is reserved for smaller gifts, often tied to traditions like Caga Tió. The holiday is especially exciting for children, who eagerly await gifts said to be delivered by the Three Kings themselves.
Three Kings' Day in Barcelona
Three Kings' Parade in Barcelona
The excitement begins on the evening of 5th January, when the Three Kings’ Parade in Barcelona (Cavalcada de Reis or Cabalgata de Reyes) fills the streets of Barcelona with spectacle and joy. This is no ordinary procession; it’s a dazzling event that captures the imaginations of both children and adults.
Arrival of the Kings
The Kings (Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthasar) arrive at the port of Barcelona by boat, welcomed by many. A ceremonial greeting by the mayor of the city marks their arrival.
Three Kings' Parade in Barcelona
Starting in the late afternoon or early evening, the Kings travel through the city on elaborately decorated floats, accompanied by musicians, dancers, acrobats, and costumed performers. The procession winds its way through major streets, such as Passeig de Gràcia and Plaça Espanya, creating an atmosphere of wonder.
Sweet Surprises
A signature element of the parade is the distribution of candy. Helpers of the Three Kings toss sweets into the crowd, delighting children who eagerly scramble to collect them.
Letters to the Kings
Children hand over their wish lists to royal pages during the parade, hoping the Kings will grant their requests. This moment symbolises the tradition of children writing letters to the Three Kings instead of Santa Claus in Spain.
Roscón de Reyes
No Three Kings’ Day in Barcelona (or anywhere in Spain) would be complete without the Roscón de Reyes.
This delicious, ring-shaped sweet bread is as much a tradition as the parade itself. Decorated with colourful candied fruits to resemble the jewels on a king’s crown, the Roscón is both a visual and culinary delight. Inside the bread, two surprises are hidden – a small figurine of a king and a dry bean.
According to tradition, the person who finds the figurine is crowned “king” or “queen” for the day and may even wear a paper crown that comes with the cake. On the other hand, the unlucky person who gets the bean is tasked with buying the Roscón the following year.
Often served with hot chocolate or coffee, this treat is a staple of family gatherings on 6th January and perfectly embodies the festive spirit of the holiday.
Acitivies & celebrations
Barcelona is brimming with activities and events to make Three Kings’ Day in Barcelona an unforgettable experience. Here are some must-do activities:
Watch the Three Kings' Parade in Barcelona (Cavalcada de Reis)
The Cavalcada de Reis is the centrepiece of the celebrations, and experiencing it is an absolute must. This grand Three Kings’ Parade in Barcelona, held on 5th January, is one of the most spectacular events. Plan ahead to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route, such as Passeig de Gràcia or Av Paral·lel, where you can see the floats, performers, and of course, the Three Kings in all their glory. Don’t forget to bring a bag to collect candy thrown into the crowd!
Visit the Port to see the arrival of the Kings
Before the parade begins, head to the Port of Barcelona for 4pm to witness the arrival of the Three Kings by boat. This unique tradition, known as the Arrival Ceremony, includes a warm welcome by city officials and plenty of excitement as the Kings disembark to greet their adoring fans. It’s a magical moment, especially for children, who get the chance to see the Kings up close before the parade starts.
Fira de Reis
If you’re still looking for gifts, Barcelona’s Fira de Reis (Kings’ Fair) is the perfect place to find unique presents. This market offers everything from handcrafted toys and traditional Spanish sweets to artisanal decorations. It’s also a great opportunity to soak up the festive atmosphere while browsing through stalls of beautifully displayed wares.
Explore Epiphany traditions in local churches
For those who wish to connect with the religious roots of the holiday, attending an Epiphany Mass at one of Barcelona’s historic churches, such as Santa Maria del Mar or Barcelona Cathedral, is a meaningful way to celebrate. Many churches also host nativity scenes (pesebres) that remain on display through 6th January. These intricate displays are works of art and a beautiful reminder of the day’s spiritual significance.
Post-Holiday sales shopping
After the gifts are unwrapped on 6th January, Barcelona’s shops and boutiques kick off their winter sales season (rebajas). This period is perfect for snagging discounts on clothing, accessories, and more. Take a stroll through the elegant shopping streets of Passeig de Gràcia or explore local stores in neighbourhoods like El Born for unique finds.
By partaking in these activities, you can fully immerse yourself in the spirit of Three Kings’ Day in Barcelona. Whether it’s enjoying the vibrant parade, savouring a slice of delicious Roscón, or exploring the cultural and religious traditions, the city offers something for everyone to make the holiday truly special.
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