The biblical Three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar arrive today onto the shores of Malvarrosa, at 5pm.
Spanish tradition puts the three kings (Reyes Magos) into the role served by Santa Claus in the USA: bringing presents, treats and toys to children.
Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar arrive on a boat, and will be welcomed in a ceremony at the port, before being brought to Paseo Alameda. There, they’ll preside over a huge parade, slated for 6pm this afternoon.
The parade will take the kings down Alameda, over the Calatrava bridge, down C/ Paz, through the Plaza de la Reina, and eventually to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where they’ll be greeted at approximately 20h by Valencia’s mayor, Rita Barbará. It sounds as though it’s going to be an impressive parade, with over 40 floats, thousands of participants and the stated goal of “delighting children”.
Sorry about the late notice. I’m used to the Holidays ending on January 1st, and this event sneaked up on me!
I’m watching the Cabalgata right now from my balcony – on the street it’s so hard to see, with everyone’s heads bobbing and kids running around to get candy, 😀
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