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Three Kings Festival in Andalucia (5 and 6 January 2024)

On 5 and 6 January, Andalucia celebrates the Three Kings (also known as Epiphany and Los Reyes Mago) with elaborate parades and processions.

By Nick Nutter | Updated 3 Jan 2024 | Andalucia | Events | Login to add to YOUR Favourites Favourites Icon or Read Later

This article has been visited 2,174 times Procession of the Three Kings Procession of the Three Kings

Procession of the Three Kings

Three Kings – Epiphany – Los Reyes Mago in Andalucia

Until recently, Epiphany, 6 January, was the big day for Spanish families when gifts were exchanged and families got together to eat. Nowadays, most families split the gift exchanging between 25 December and 6 January when the three Kings, Melchior from Persia, Gaspar (also called "Caspar" or "Jaspar") from India, and Balthazar from Arabia, arrived in Bethlehem carrying gifts of frankincense, myrrh and gold.

Celebrating the Three Kings in Andalucia: 5 January

The suspense starts at dusk on 5 January when just about every hamlet, village, town and city, have cabalgata, parades, when the three Kings parade through the streets, on foot or on the back of decorated lorries. I actually witnessed one, many years ago, where the Kings were on real camels. The Kings toss sweets to the children as they pass.



Back home, the children are supposed to leave their shoes at the door to receive their gifts, presumably after the Kings have done their rounds with sweets.



Celebrating Three Kings Festival in Andalucia: 6 January

The following day, 6 January, starts with a breakfast of Roscón de Reyes, three Kings cake. This sweet bread, decorated with dried fruits and sugar, is sold in huge numbers from bakers and supermarkets during the early days of January. Then the families gather for another extended Christmas lunch and the exchange of gifts.

Did the 3 Wise Men Come from Andalucia?

Pope Benedict XVI was elected in 2005 and retired in 2013. He holds a number of records: he is the first pope to resign since Gregory XII in 1415, and the first to do so on his own initiative since Celestine V in 1294. On 4 September 2020, Benedict XVI became the longest-lived person to have held the office of pope, at 93 years, 4 months, 16 days, surpassing Leo XIII, who died in 1903.

He is particularly loved by Andalucians because he proclaimed that the Three Wise Men came from Andalucia. Well, he should know.



Cabalgatas de los Reyes (Three Kings Parades) in the Provincial Capitals of Andalucia

There are Three Kings Parades in many cities in Andalucia and each one has its own flavour. So if you're in Andalucia during this time, be sure to check them out. Click on each link to discover how each city celebrates Calabalgatas de los Reyes.

Three Kings Parade in Almeria

The Three Kings Parade in Almeria starts about 7.00pm from Rambla Obispo Orbera.

Three Kings Parade in Cádiz

Cádiz always tries to be different. In 2022, the Three Kings Parade featured a 'wonky bear' that received more press than any other feature. The Three Kings Parade in Cadiz starts about 5.30pm from Parque Genoves.

Three Kings Parade in Córdoba

The Cabalgatas de Reyes in Córdoba starts about 5.00pm in Plaza de Santa Teresa.



Three Kings Parade in Granada

Over 30 floats take part in this magical cabalgatas in Granada. It starts at 5.00pm from Salida Pal. Deportes and wends its way north to finish about 10pm at Llegado a Mondragones.

Three Kings Parade in Huelva

The Cabalgatas de Reyes in Huelva starts early at 3.30pm on Explanada del Santuario de la Cinta.

Three Kings Parade in Jaén

The Three Kings Parade in Jaén starts at 7.00pm from Plaza de Santa Maria.

Cabalgatas de Reyes in Málaga

The Cabalgatas de Reyes in Málaga starts at 6.00pm on Avenida Cervantes.



Three Kings Parade in Seville

The Three Kings Parade in Seville is the longest in Spain and lasts six hours. Over 30 floats slowly parade through the streets starting from the Universidad de Sevilla about 4.30pm.

Recommended Spain Travel Resources

Travelling to/around Spain and need some help? Here are our favourite travel resources.

We usually use Booking.com to look for hotels or apartment rentals. Lots of choice & you can unlock more discounts with their Genius loyalty programme!

To research transportation options around Spain, we like using Omio. It’s an easy way to compare different modes of transport and prices in one place.

Renting a car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore Andalucia at your own pace. Click here to compare car rental prices. (You’ll be surprised at how affordable it is in Spain!)

For last-minute holiday deals, check out Expedia UK.

Looking for things to do? Viator has a huge catalog of activities and tours across many cities in Spain. We also love Get Your Guide!

Guruwalk is our favourite platform to find the best free walking tours in a city.

For money transfers or spending overseas in foreign currency, Wise is our favorite borderless banking service (we love their debit card that's without fees!).

Travel insurance is a must to protect against emergencies and unexpected incidents. Get a quote from SafetyWing here.

For an easy way to stay connected on the road, get an eSim from Airalo. It's affordable and, best of all, you'll be connected the moment you arrive!


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