Traditions in Spain: a day of Magic Kings
A day full of magic: one of the most awaited traditions in spain every year
While in most countries the excitement and fever of Christmas has been long gone, children in Spain are still expecting a night full of magic. The most magical of all traditions in Spain happens on the 6th of January, a day of the three Kings (or Three Wise Men), children put out their shoes a night before to find them filled with gifts in the morning. The children are also supposed to leave a drink for the kings (as they must be thirsty after such a long journey around the world, right?) and a snack for the camels.
The Christmas in Spain is not finished until 6th of January. While Santa Claus is the biggest celebrity amongst children in most countries, in Spain the ones that are waited for are los Reyes Magos: Melchor, Gazpar and Baltasar (Magic Kings). That’s of course if the children have been behaving very well, if not they get a piece of coal instead. What a bummer! I guess that there is no child behaving so bad to receive coal instead of a long-wanted gift.
I have been lucky enough to spend this time in Spain and find a little gift for myself, too. A trip! What else! Where? I will surely write about it soon enough, but for now…let’s keep it a magical secret.
Before you go, check out more posts from Madrid:
- 3 Days in Madrid: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors
- Best Churros in Madrid According to Locals and Foodies: 5 top places
- Spain for foodies. 10 dishes you must try while in Spain.
- What Makes Retiro Park in Madrid So Special? El Retiro Uncovered
- 5 perfect places to go jogging in Madrid
- 11 Best Kept Secrets of Madrid That Will Change How You See the City
- Where to Stay in Madrid: The Best Neighbourhoods and Hotels for a Short Trip
- Skip the Tourist Traps: Where to Eat Like a Local in Madrid
The King’s cake
On the 6th of January it is a tradition to eat this round bread-like cake decorated with dried fruit and sugar- roscón de los Reyes. It is not an ordonary cake, it hides a little suprise for a lucky person. Inside the cake, the bakers hide a little gift wrapped in a paper and a bean. The person who gets a piece of cake with a hidden gift, is supposed to be a queen or king of the day having a lot of luck throughout the year and the one who finds a bean is supposed to get the cake next year.
On the 5th of January throughout Spain, the Magic Kings parade along the streets joined by a crowd of amazed children catching the sweets thrown by the Kings. The celebrations are big and beautiful.
What traditions have you celebrated during your travels?
Thank you for visiting. Happy new year everyone!
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