7 Three Kings’ Day traditions on the Costa Blanca – The magic of January 5th and 6th
7 Three Kings’ Day traditions on the Costa Blanca – The magic of January 5th and 6th
On the Costa Blanca, as in all of Spain, Three Kings’ Day (January 6) is a deeply rooted celebration with customs and traditions that have a unique character in each region. In this area of the Valencian Community, the festivities are lived in a special way with cultural, religious and family activities, which fill children and adults with joy. Here you can see the 7 main traditions and customs that are celebrated every year on the evening of January 5 and on January 6 on Three Kings’ Day on the Costa Blanca.
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1. The Three Kings Parade
The Three Kings Parade is the most prominent tradition on the Costa Blanca, as it is throughout Spain. The towns and cities of the region hold colorful parades on the eve, January 5, where the Three Kings (Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar) parade through the streets throwing candy and gifts to children. Some special features of the parade on the Costa Blanca are:
- Alcoy: The Three Kings Parade in Alcoy is the oldest in Spain, with a tradition dating back to 1885, and has been recognized as a Festival of International Tourist Interest. In this parade, the Three Kings parade through the streets of Alcoy accompanied by torchbearers, musicians and shepherds. One of the most charming features is the work of the pages, called “els negres”, who climb ladders to the balconies and windows of the houses to personally deliver the gifts to the children, adding a unique and magical touch to the celebration.
- Alicante: It has one of the most spectacular parades, with decorated floats, music and the arrival of the Kings by boat to the port.
- Denia and Javea: The Three Wise Men also arrive by boat, highlighting the maritime connection of these towns.
- Benidorm: The parade includes live music, traditional costumes and parallel activities for the little ones.
- Calpe: A parade with traditional costumes and floats, accompanied by the local Xaranga, the Colla de Xirimiters de Calpe and the Unió de Calpe music band.
- Gata de Gorgos: Here the Misteri de Reis is celebrated every January 5th (since 1968), and this festival has been declared a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest. During the Misteri de Reis, the locals stage the arrival of the Three Wise Men, including their meeting with King Herod and the adoration of the Baby Jesus in the Nativity scene. At the end, the Three Wise Men and their pages ride through the streets of Gata de Gorgos on horseback, personally delivering gifts to children and adults in their homes.
2. The Arrival of the Three Wise Men by Sea
In several coastal towns on the Costa Blanca, the Three Wise Men arrive at the port by boat, symbolising their journey from the East. This is especially significant in cities such as Alicante, Javea, Denia, Altea,… Families gather in the ports to welcome them with applause and joy.
3. Sweets and Gifts
During the parades, the Three Wise Men throw sweets and, in some cases, small gifts to the children who attend the parade. This tradition is one of the most eagerly awaited by children, who usually carry bags to collect as much sweets as possible.
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4. Delivery of Letters to the Three Wise Men
Before January 5th, children write letters to the Three Wise Men asking for the gifts they want. Traditionally, the letters are delivered to the royal pages during the days before the parade, or even deposited in royal mailboxes.
5. The Giving of Gifts
Children leave their shoes on the night of January 5th next to the windows or doors, accompanied by food or drink for the Three Wise Men and their camels (water, milk and sweets). The next morning, the shoes appear surrounded by gifts, which are given as a symbol of the gifts offered to baby Jesus.
6. The Roscón de Reyes
In families on the Costa Blanca, the morning of January 6th is celebrated by sharing the traditional Roscón de Reyes, a sweet bun in the shape of a crown decorated with candied fruit and filled with whipped cream or chocolate. Inside the roscón there are two surprises:
- A figure of a king: whoever finds it will be “the king” of the day.
- A dried bean: whoever finds it will have to pay for the roscón next year.
7. A Family Celebration
Three Kings’ Day is also a day for family reunions. Families often take advantage of the opportunity to share traditional meals, such as caldo con pelotas (broth with meatballs) or Putxero (typical in the Valencian Community) or the before mentioned Roscón de Reyes.
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Local Differences
Although these traditions are common throughout the Costa Blanca, each locality can add its own special touch to the celebrations. For example, in smaller towns, the participation of the neighbours is more direct and close, while in the big cities the parades are more spectacular.
Three Kings’ Day on the Costa Blanca is a mix of religious, family and festive traditions, which combine the magic of Christmas with the charm of the Mediterranean. Don’t miss it!
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