It’s time to recognize this is our favorite date. And a great celebration in Madrid. Children flood the city with their excitement waiting to see the Three Wise Men (Reyes Magos) with their carriages full of gifts.
—It’s a parade through the city —Almudena says cheerfully.
—Full of magic and illusion, full of lights and brightness —affirms Paloma, beginning to dream.
—And of cold, rush and traffic jams —Almu dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s.
—But the “Roscón de Reyes” with a warm chocolate compensates for the cold and the waiting — Palo answers optimistic.
—And, above all, it makes up for seeing the excited faces of the little ones —admits Almu, softening himself.
It’s celebrated on the afternoon of January 5, the eve of the Catholic feast of the Epiphany, when the Magi of the Orient (Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar) gave the Child Jesus gold, incense and myrrh. The “Cabalgata de Reyes” recreates the arrival of the Magi in Madrid and marks the beginning of the distribution of gifts that will take place that night.
The 6th of January is a public holiday in all of Spain and every home awakes with the gifts that the Wise Men have left at night to those who have behaved along the past year and who, previously, have sent a Letter with their wishes. Besides, it means the end of the Christmas school holidays and, bear in mind, all the shops are closed!
This year’s parade begins at 18:30h in Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz and ends at 21:00 in Cibeles, crossing the Paseos de la Castellana and Recoletos between these two squares.
—Of course several streets are closed —explains Almu realistically.
—And the traffic in the whole city gets complicated.
—It is convenient to use public transportation.
—And arrive a long time in advance to take a good place or even a seat —proposes the practical Palo.
—The stands open to the public at 16:30h.
In Plaza de Cibeles there is a stage where the traditional Message of the Three Wise Men, addressed to all the children of Madrid, takes place around 20.45 hours. Afterwards a fireworks show over the palace of Cibeles puts an end to the “Cabalgata”.
On this special occasion, the Cabalgata de Reyes 2024 pays tribute to grandparents who, with their wisdom and generosity, are always there for others.
The tradition of the Three Wise Men recreates the moment when the star of Bethlehem guided them to the Child God and, at the same time, symbolizes the virtuous circle that nourishes our culture, that of union and respect between generations.
The symbol of the gift goes beyond a simple toy: the elders transmit experience, values and attention; the children return gratitude, tenderness and smiles.
The caravan of Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar travels along the Paseo de la Castellana, led by an aerial dancer under a moving moon, giant puppets that dance before the public, the star of Bethlehem with its own company of stars and angels, fantastic and luminous horses, a large articulated camel, seven huge giraffes, the three royal carriages, impressive in design and color, and, of course, the pages and the rest of the usual entourage handing out candy and illusion to all the children of Madrid.
—By the way, how have you behaved this past year? —ironic question Almu.
—Perfectly well, as usual —responds sincerely Palo.
—Do you know that older people can also ask for gifts?
—And deliver them! This year I’ve already sent several.
—Sent? To whom?
—Ah! It’s a secret!
—I thought there were no secrets between us.
—Well, you never know.
—Please, tell me!
—Who could it be? To all those who have asked the Wise Men to move to Madrid. I’ve sent them the best of gifts.
Guess what it is?
That’s right! The best gift for all those who plan to move to Madrid is The Secret of relocating to Madrid where you will find all the relevant information. If, in addition, you need help with the organization or even if we accompany you, you can check out our services.
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