The Three Kings Parade
When: Jan 4th/5th 2009 - Schedule to be announced.
Epiphany: 4/01 Hort de Can Falç, 18.30H-21.00H - Royal Pages.
Arrival: 05/01 La Fragata, 18.45 H
Route: Passeig de la Ribera, Primer de Maig, Marqués de Montroig, Parellades, Sant Francesc, Hort Gran, Rafael Llopart, Jesús, Cap de la Vila, Major, Ajuntament (View Map)
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Like most other events in Sitges, The Three Kings Parade has many names thanks to the blending of Spanish, French and Catalan culture.
Los Reyes de Magos, Epiphany or Three Kings "Tres Magi" Day is Spanish childrens Christmas. Yes, just as the rest of the world packs up its Christmas trees for another year, Spain goes at it again with vigor and gusto... Its a way to prevent those post Christmas blues from kicking in too early in the new year.
Kids leave their shoes out to be filled with gifts by the three wise men, or Three Kings. In towns throughout the country the Kings arrive by car or by camel in parades the night of January 5th. In fact the 3 Kings are even more popular with some Spanish children than the man in the red suit!
It is celebrated with the official arrival of The Three Kings "Tres Magi". Horse mounted Cavaliers pave the way for an enormous inflatable star of bethlehem followed by Gaspar, Melchor and Baltasar.
A procession of colourfull floats accompanied by military bands and drumming by musicians in medieval costumes contiues after the kings. If you have been good you might receive a shower of sweets, if you have been bad you may receive coal (made from sugar) or turds (made from fig paste) instead.
This particular festival satisfies the sweetest of tooth with rosco de reyes, a large donut-shaped cake filled with creamdecorated with candied fruits, symbolic of the emeralds and rubies that adorned the robes of the three kings. Somewhere inside the cake there is a surprise, and the person to find it will be crowned King or Queen of the house for the remainder of the day. Perfect for Sitges.
