What happens on 6 January in Spain?

While the French are used to festivities between Noël and New Year, the Spanish pay particular attention to 6 January. This date is associated with the Day of the Three Wise Men, but it is celebrated in a very special way. What is it really like? Immo 365 Costa Brava tells you all you need to know about it.

6 January: a day of celebration in Spain

End-of-year festivities are not celebrated in the same way in all countries. In France, for example, the festivities begin with Christmas Eve and generally end on New Year's Day. 6 January is one of the most eagerly awaited National holidays in Spain. This is because the date is dedicated to the Day of the Three Wise Men (Dia de Reyes). Tradition has it that they are the ones who bring presents to the children.

The Christmas festive period in Spain closes on 6 January, as this is the day on which the youngest children receive their presents. Many celebrations are organised the day before. Between joys, doubts, enthusiasms and celebrations, people go through every possible state of mind on this night. Families especially take advantage of 6 January in Spain to get together and share El Roscón de Reyes (Three Kings' Cake), a typical dish of the day.

Origins and evolution of the Three Kings' festival in Spain

On Spanish territory, 6 January is aholiday that refers to the Three Kings. These were mentioned for the very first time in the Gospel of Saint Matthew. The text speaks of them without revealing their names, their status or their number. It says that a star guided them to a stable in Bethlehem to meet Jesus, the King of the Jews, who had just been born. They brought gifts to worship him and show him their allegiance. At that time, Herod, King of Judea, made the Magi promise to inform him as soon as they saw the child so that he could also magnify him.

An angel, however, warned them not to return to the king's palace while revealing his true intention. The latter, fearing for his sovereignty, in fact wanted to put an end to the child's life. The Magi were respectively christened Melchior, Gaspard and Balthazar in the Middle Ages. Their feast day is a medieval tradition that has taken root in Spanish society over the years.

The characteristics of the « Magi » have gradually been fleshed out in popular belief. Today, the celebration of 6 January in Spain is a tradition that is relatively far removed from its original Catholic origins. It is a symbolic day on which children see their wishes granted by the Three Wise Men.

How is 6 January celebrated in Spain?

Although the day dedicated to the Three Wise Men is commemorated on 6 January, there are plenty of events planned for the day before.

The day before the public holiday

5 January is the day of the Cabalgata (Three Wise Men's parade) in Spanish culture. It's a much-anticipated date, as it allows people to rediscover the illusion of being a child. The streets are full of people waiting to see Their Majesties from the East. They parade along the streets of different municipalities in carriages and fancy dress. They throw sweets, treats and sometimes small gifts into the crowd. Sweets and candies are a traditional feature of Three Kings' night in Spain. The spectacle on offer is very enjoyable, between Christmas lights and the public's jubilation.

The Spanish tradition also requires the youngest children to write their letters to the Three Wise Men on 5 January. The missives must be placed at the foot of the Christmas tree with their shoes, cleaned for the occasion. More often than not, the children prepare a snack for Their Majesties from the East and fresh water for their camels. The treats left for the Magi can vary from one Spanish region to another. On 5 January, the children go to bed excited and full of anticipation. The idea is for them to get a good night's sleep. That way, they won't have to get up early and risk seeing the Three Wise Men, who might not leave any more presents!

The day itself

In Spain, 6 January follows on from the Three Wise Men's festivities. Children rush as soon as they wake up to see what the Majesties have brought them. If they have misbehaved all year, all they get is a lump of coal (according to tradition). The events of this day do not prevent the celebration of the Epiphany.

Many families actually take the opportunity to taste the famous Roscón de Reyes and reconnect with each other. If you too are wondering what are the advantages of living in Spain, you should know that festivals are always very unifying and multigenerational in this country. 6 January is just one example. From the festivities in Barcelona to Easter in the city of Madrid, you'll be impressed by the scale of the festivities.

A tradition that leaves no one indifferent

In Spanish society, 6 January symbolises the feast of Noël, when children receive their presents. The day is also associated with the Epiphany festivities, as it marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men. The celebrations begin the day before with the parade of carriages (Cabalgata), a spectacle that brings together young and old alike. For Spanish children, the Three Wise Men are a bit like Father Christmas: they bring them gifts and sweets.

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