What is Three Kings and why do the Spanish celebrate it?

In Spanish culture, the term "Three Kings" or "Día de Los Reyes" is associated with the celebration of Epiphany. In many Spanish-speaking countries and some others, the night of January 5th is known as "Three Kings' Night" or "Noche de Reyes."

What is Three Kings (Día de Los Reyes)?

Named after the Wise Men referred to in the Gospel of Matthew in the Bible, this annual event is an important festival in the Spanish Calendar and celebrated on the 6th January. According to Christian tradition, these three wise men—Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar—followed the Star of Bethlehem to find the baby Jesus and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Why do the Spanish celebrate Three Kings?

This event is often celebrated as part of the Christian liturgical calendar, particularly on the feast of the Epiphany, which is observed on January 6th.

It's a time when the local towns and villages come to gather to enjoy parades and processions. Children often receive gifts, similar to the traditions of gift-giving during the Christmas season. In a way, as the Three Wise Men gave gifts to the baby Jesus, it makes more sense that gifts are exchanged during the Three King celebrations.

Three Kings Celebrations start on the night of the 5th January when the Wise Men visit towns and villages to start the festivities bringing Peace, Joy and... Sweets. In the Canary Islands this is often done in line with the bible, with the three men arriving on Camel back, however in other parts of Spain it is done on horse back.

The 6th January is more of a quieter, family occasion. Presents are exchanged and the special Roscon cake is enjoyed by all. The Roscon usually contains a hidden toy, bringing luck to the person that finds it in their slice!

When are the Three Kings Parades in Lanzarote for 2024?

5th January 2024

Arrecife (The largest Three Kings Parade on the island)

18:00hr Recinto Ferial -> Main Pier.

Tías

11:00hr Procession from C/Teide -> C/los Afrechos.

18:00hr Tías. C/Perez Galdos roundabout -> football pitch.

Teguise

19:30hr Procession will take place in the historical centre.

Yaiza

10:00hr. Three Kings arrive at Puerto Calero. Continuing on to Playa Quemada, La Geria, Uga, Las Casitas, Femés, Maciot, Las Breñas, La Hoya, La Degollada, Yaiza (17:00hr), El Golfo and Playa Blanca (19:00hr).

19:00hr Playa Blanca. Procession from Jaime Quesada roundabout -> Plaza de N. Señora de Carmen.

San Bartolomé

17:00hr Playa Honda. From Esplanade at Guacimeta beach -> C/Princesa Ico.

19:30hr San Bartolomé. From IES San Bartolome, through Avenida Alcalde Cabrera Barrera, Calle Calderetas and Calle Parroco San Martin and arriving at Plaza del Ayuntamiento.

Haría

16:00hr The Kings arrive at Arrieta Pier and travel through the northern towns and villages of Lanzarote.

18:30hr Haría. Procession through the streets of Haria.

Tinajo

17:30 Tina Football pitch -> Plaza de San Roque.

19:00hr La Graciosa.

Costa Teguise

No Procession has been announced