Los Reyes Magos and Cabalgata del Reyes

Uncategorized — By on November 11, 2008 1:00 am

Los Reyes Magos and Cabalgata del Reyes

In much of the English-speaking world, January marks the beginning of that agonizing ritual of dismantling all of the trappings of Christmas.  There are dead pine needles to pick out of the carpet and fairy lights to pack away, leaving only the hope of spring amidst the winter darkness.  It is, in short, awfully depressing.  If you’re the type to keep your Christmas decorations up until February to ward off the winter blues, then Madrid is the place to be, where Christmas lasts well into January.

While this lengthy celebration may seem foreign to those used to a single day of merriment, it is in fact a common occurrence throughout the Christian world.  Spain, in particular, takes its observance seriously.  While many kids are playing with toys received on December 25 from Santa Claus or Saint Nicolas, Spanish children wait patiently until January 6, or Los Reyes Magos.  Known in English as Epiphany and the last of the Twelve Days of Christmas, this celebration marks the end of the Christmas season in Spain.  Kids go to bed early on January 5, hoping that Los Reyes Magos (the Three Kings or Wise Men) will pay their houses a visit.  If they have been good throughout the year, the Three Kings might reward them with gifts.  Naughty children, unfortunately, receive only lumps of coal. 

Luckily for travelers, Madrid welcomes Los Reyes Magos in style.  The city throws a massive annual parade, called Cabalgata del Reyes, on January 5.  The event, which travels to the Plaza de Cibeles via the Castellana, draws crowds of Madrileños young and old.  Cabalgata del Reyes is the time for Madrid to show off, parading city vehicles, marching bands, and whirling acrobats to entertain its citizens.  Still, amid all of the pomp, children wait with bated breath for the float bearing Gaspar, Balthasar, and Melchior—Los Reyes Magos.  The Three Kings amply reward this adoration, showering the crowd with wrapped candies and treats.  With these sweets stuck in their teeth, the kids go home and hope for gifts from the Three Kings in the morning.

Now if that doesn’t chase away the darkness and blues of winter, then nothing else will.