When planning a trip for the New Year and hoping to experience unique cultural traditions along the way, celebrating the Day of the Three Kings in Spain or Latin America should be at the top of your list. This is no quiet holiday, featuring parades, delicious cake, and the tradition of gift giving.
If I’ve successfully piqued your interest in this holiday, here’s detailed information about Three Kings Day. You’ll discover the best spots to watch the spectacular parades and receive the essential travel tips you need to plan your perfect trip for Three Kings Day 2026.
Table of Contents
Three Kings Day Traditions
Top Destinations to Celebrate Three Kings Day
- Madrid, Spain
- Barcelona, Spain
- Alcoy, Spain
- Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico
- Warsaw, Poland
- Mexico City, Mexico
Plan Your Three Kings Day Trip
All About Three Kings Day
First, we need to understand the background of this festival, as it is key to appreciating the celebration.
What Is the Three Kings Day
The holiday, officially known as Epiphany, marks the day the three Biblical Wise Men, or Magi, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, arrived in Bethlehem to present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the infant Jesus. This feast symbolizes Christ’s revelation to the Gentiles, making it a pivotal moment in Christian theology.
When Does Three Kings Day Start and End
- Official date: January 6th every year
- Start: On the evening of January 5th, children will prepare for the arrival of the Wise Men.
- End: On January 6th, children will receive gifts, families share Rosca de Reyes. Many Catholics attend Mass or special worship services on this day.
Three Kings Day Traditions
The traditions of Three Kings Day are rich and varied, and typically include three elements: parades, gifts, and cake.
Three Kings Parade
The core of the public celebration is the Cabalgata de Reyes on the evening of January 5th. These parades will be spectacular, dazzling, and brightly lit spectacles, featuring dozens of intricately decorated floats, marching bands, and performers.
Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar ride atop their magnificent floats, often throwing thousands of kilograms of candy to the excited crowds lining the streets, a joyous, slightly chaotic, and truly messy tradition that kids absolutely adore.
Gift Night
After the parade, children rush home to prepare for the Magi’s visit. Instead of stockings, they typically leave out their cleanest shoes by a window or fireplace. They also often leave water for the Kings’ camels or horses, and perhaps a small offering like brandy or sweets for the Wise Men themselves.
The next morning, January 6th, the shoes are filled with gifts, toys, and presents. Naughty children, however, might receive a piece of “sweet coal”, which is a sugar lump that looks like black coal, as a gentle warning to behave better in the coming year.
Rosca de Reyes
Rosca de Reyes is a citrus-flavored sweet bread shaped like a crown and decorated with candied fruit. The fun lies in the small figurine hidden inside, and whoever finds it is crowned “King or Queen” for the day, often wearing a paper crown.
In some traditions, particularly in Mexico, the person who finds the figure is responsible for hosting and paying for a party on Día de la Candelaria on February 2nd.
Top Destinations to Celebrate Three Kings Day
When deciding where is three kings day celebrated, the answer is extensive. In particular, celebrations for this holiday are held in Spain, Latin America, and certain cities in the United States. But a few key locations stand out for their grand, world-class festivities, especially their Three Kings Parade events. If you’re planning your trip, consider these destinations for an authentic and spectacular experience.
Madrid, Spain
Madrid hosts the largest parade in the country each year, making it the premier destination for celebrating Three Kings Day. The main parade typically begins at 6:30 PM on January 5th and concludes around 9:00 PM, with streets closing several hours beforehand. The procession starts in the Nuevos Ministerios area and culminates at Plaza de Cibeles.
The Cabalgata de Reyes here is known for its creativity, featuring huge, elaborate floats, international performers, and the three majestic Kings, Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, riding in splendor, showering the onlookers with tons of sweets. Madrid’s parade tends to focus on a different theme each year, promoting peace, art, or sustainability, ensuring a fresh and engaging show every time you visit. This makes it a guaranteed spectacle to witness the Three Kings Day parade Spain.
Other things to do
- Visit the Postman: Before the main event, the King’s official Royal Postman often sets up shop at central locations, allowing children to hand-deliver their letters to the Magi.
- View Holiday Decorations: Christmas decorations in Madrid typically remain up until early January, and you can see various light displays at Plaza Mayor and Gran Vía.
- Visiting Museums: January brings fewer crowds, making it the perfect time to explore museums. Take your time to appreciate masterpieces at the Museo del Prado and Reina Sofía.
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona provides a distinct, maritime twist on the tradition that sets it apart. The celebration is just as grand as Madrid’s, but with a unique element: the Kings arrive by sea.
Around 4:00 PM on January 5th, before the main Barcelona three kings parade begins, the Three Kings arrive at the Old Port aboard a historic boat, often met by the Mayor of Barcelona in a formal, symbolic ceremony. The Mayor presents them with the key to the city, officially giving them permission to enter and deliver their gifts.
Departing from the port, the parade will begin traversing the city’s main thoroughfares around 6:00 PM. Like Vía Laietana and Plaça Catalunya, the entire march lasted approximately three hours, concluding at 9:30 PM. Barcelona’s parade features fantastical floats, vivid colors, and a lively atmosphere. Securing a spot along the main route is highly competitive, so if you want a front-row view of the candy toss, planning to arrive early is crucial.
Other things to do
- Christmas Market: Also known as the Fira de Reis, it takes place on Barcelona’s Gran Via from December 14th to January 6th. This large-scale market sells toys, gifts, and churros.
- Winter Sale: Barcelona’s Rebajas begins on January 7th, with stores launching major sales promotions.
- Head to Top Attractions: With fewer crowds, tickets to the Sagrada Família, Park Güell, and Casa Milà are easier to book.
- Savoring Winter Delights: Try the traditional Catalan winter stew Escudella i Carn d’Olla, made with a variety of meats and vegetables. And Romesco, a traditional tomato-based sauce.
Alcoy, Spain
If you seek an experience steeped in history, Alcoy is the ideal choice. It hosts Spain’s oldest recorded parade, dating back to 1885, and has been declared a Festival of International Tourist Interest.
At sunset on January 5th, the procession commenced as the Three Wise Men rode majestically into Alcoy atop camels laden with gifts. The Alcoy parade is famed for its unique pajes tradition. Instead of simply riding on the floats, these helpers use long wooden ladders to climb up to the balconies of homes, delivering the gifts directly to the children. This festival tradition is unmatched elsewhere, and its uniqueness and history make it a must-visit destination for cultural travelers.
Other things to do
- Burretes Parade: On January 4th, messengers riding donkeys will enter the city to collect children’s wish letters, making it an ideal experience for family visitors.
- Visit the Betlem de Tirisiti: Experience the unique, traditional puppet nativity show of Betlem de Tirisiti, which has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest. It is a vital part of the local Christmas tradition.
- Natural Parks: Alcoy is surrounded by beautiful natural areas, including the Font Roja Natural Park and Serra de Mariola Natural Park, perfect for winter hiking.
Juana Díaz, Puerto Rico
The tropical charm of Puerto Rico enhances the festive atmosphere. While the entire island celebrates, the most famous festivities are held in the southern town of Juana Díaz.
The main attraction in Juana Díaz is the annual festival and parade, which has been running for over 135 years and draws over 25,000 people. The Three Kings are depicted by actors riding on horseback, and the atmosphere is filled with music and parrandas.
Other things to do
- Old San Juan: The historic area is beautiful during this time, with the cobblestone streets and colorful architecture still showing signs of the holiday season. The San Sebastián Street Festival will also take place from January 15 to 18, featuring music and dance performances, craft exhibitions, and street food.
- Holiday Delicacies: The Three Kings’ Day features various traditional treats such as Pasteles, Lechón Asado, and Coquito, a coconut milk rum beverage.
- Outdoor Activities: January in Puerto Rico is sunny, perfect for relaxing at Condado Beach or trying water sports. Or go hiking in El Yunque Rainforest to experience tropical ecosystems.
Warsaw, Poland
In Poland, Epiphany is a national public holiday often referred to as Trzech Króli. Celebrations here take the form of large, elaborately costumed street parades, displaying a more pronounced religious character than Spain’s candy throwing festivities.
The Three Kings’ Day parade in Warsaw typically begins at 12:00 PM on January 6th, starting from Plac Zamkowy and winding through the Old Town before reaching Plac Piłsudskiego. Participants often wear paper crowns and costumes representing the three continents of Europe, Asia, and Africa, singing carols and following the Three Kings to designated areas. The entire parade is joyful and community centered.
Other things to do
- The Royal Garden of Light: The spectacular light exhibition at the Wilanów Palace is a must-see in the cold, dark Polish winter. Thousands of colorful LEDs transform the gardens into a mesmerizing display, often running through the end of January.
- Christmas Market: The Christmas market continues into January and will be held in the Old Town. Visitors can find colorful ceramics, wooden toys, and post holiday discounted items.
- Historical Attractions: Warsaw’s January weather is cold, making it ideal for visiting indoor attractions such as the Warsaw Uprising Museum and the Royal Castle.
- Start of Karnawał: The 2026 Warsaw Carnival will begin after January 7th. If you have time to stay, you will have the opportunity to attend costume balls and masquerade parties.
Mexico City, Mexico
In Mexico, many cities hold their own Three Kings Day celebrations, while Mexico City transforms the holiday into a grand festival.
Mexico City typically hosts a grand parade on January 6th along Reforma Avenue, featuring elaborate floats, people dressed as the Three Wise Men, and even camels. But more than the parade, what matters most during this holiday in Mexico is gathering with family and sharing the Rosca de Reyes.
Other things to do
- Visit Cultural Landmarks: Explore the Palacio de Bellas Artes, an architectural masterpiece where performances by the Ballet Folklórico de México are often staged. Also visit the Templo Mayor, an Aztec archaeological site that reveals the splendor of an ancient civilization.
- Museum Tour: January’s dry weather in Mexico City makes it the ideal season for a cultural journey. Visit the Frida Kahlo Museum and the National Museum of Anthropology to explore Latin American art and historical collections.
- Sale Season: Mexico’s promotional season also begins in January, when you can visit La Ciudadela to purchase handicrafts.
Plan Your Three Kings Day Trip
Experiencing the Three Kings’ Day celebrations at these locations offers a unique way to start the new year, taking you on a journey through culture, tradition, and festive atmosphere. To ensure a smooth process, planning is essential. Check out the advice below to make sure you’re fully prepared.
What to Pack
The weather at these destinations varies significantly in January, so your packing list should reflect the need for winter warmth and the necessity of spending hours outdoors.
- Appropriate clothing: While you can pack light layers for warm destinations like Puerto Rico, other destinations require a warm coat, especially in Warsaw. Consider packing a T-shirt as a base layer, a wool sweater as a mid-layer, and a windproof jacket as an outer layer.
- Comfortable shoes: Bring waterproof, comfortable walking shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of standing and walking. Parades can last for hours, and the best viewing spots often require standing for extended periods.
- Backpack: Pack your essentials and water bottle, and collect the candy you receive during the parade.
- Blankets or folding stools: Locals often bring small folding stools or picnic blankets for children to sit on while waiting for the parade to begin. If you want to secure prime viewing spots early, this will greatly enhance your comfort.
- Holiday accessories: To fully embrace the festive spirit, wear holiday hats, scarves, or colorful accessories that are perfect for photos.
Transportation Tips
Traffic can be challenging during the Three Kings’ Day parade, with public transportation schedules frequently changing and major roads completely closed.
- Book flights and trains early: Since January 6th is typically the last day of the long holiday, many people will be traveling back during this period. Once you’ve decided on your destination, book your train and flight immediately to secure the best prices and availability.
- Opt for public transportation: If you’re in a major city like Madrid or Barcelona, avoid driving on January 5th. The main routes for the Three Kings Parade will be completely closed off starting in the early afternoon. Plan to use the bus or metro system, but be aware that some stations along the parade route may be closed or severely overcrowded.
- Pre-booking taxis: If you need transportation to the airport or train station on January 5th or 6th, please pre-book a taxi or private shuttle, especially if your route passes through parade zones. Due to detours, travel times may be longer than expected.
- Walk: Typically, the fastest way to get around on January 5th is on foot. Use a map app to determine how far your accommodation is from the nearest parade viewing spot, and plan to walk the final stretch.
FAQ
Why do we celebrate Three Kings Day?
The celebration of Three Kings Day commemorates the biblical story of Epiphany, where the arrival of the Wise Men symbolizes the revelation of Jesus as the Savior. It’s an essential part of the Nativity story, marking the culmination of the journey for the three Kings and the end of the traditional “Twelve Days of Christmas.”
Is Three Kings Day a Catholic tradition?
Yes, Three Kings Day, or Epiphany, is one of the oldest and most important feasts in the Catholic liturgical calendar. It is also celebrated by other Christian denominations, including Eastern Orthodox Churches and Anglican churches. While the day has deep religious roots, in countries like Spain and Mexico, the cultural celebrations have become just as prominent as the religious mass itself, making it a blend of faith and national tradition.
Who celebrates 3 Kings Day in America?
Within the United States, the celebration of Three Kings Day is primarily observed by communities with strong Spanish and Latin American heritage. This includes Puerto Rican and Dominican communities in places like New York or Florida, as well as Mexican communities in Texas, California, and the Southwest.
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