81 ~ The Three Kings

Arrival of the Kings

Last night saw the arrival in Spain of the Three Kings, Los Reyes Magos, also know as The Three Wise Men or Magi, bearing gifts for the children who would have woken this morning to find them under their Christmas tree. January 6th, Epiphany, the 12th day of Christmas, is here known as El Dia de Reyes and is a national holiday.

In Tenerife on Camels

The three kings, Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar arrived in Tenerife from the orient on camels burdened with packages and as they passed through the streets, these royal gentlemen threw candies, caramelos in Spanish, to crowds of waiting children.


In Madrid the parade, called the Cabalgata de Reyes, was a lavish affair with many floats, giant balloons and spectacular illuminated coaches, one for each of the three kings, escorted by an entourage of beautifully costumed attendants. The parade ended in Madrid's Plaza de Cibeles, famous for the fountain with the statue of the goddess Cibeles.

Balthazar

And proof that the children of Madrid are no fools when it comes to catching sweets thrown down to them from the passing floats, there was a sea of upturned umbrellas lining the edge of the parade. Upturned of course to catch more of the shower of candies. Clever aren't they!

Credits with thanks for images taken from the TV broadcasts of El Dia TV in Tenerife and TVE Television Española Channel 1 in Madrid.

Thanks for dropping by and ¡Hasta la Vista!