The night of the Three Kings

After the holidays, the first week of January is also a holiday for children. On the fifth of January the Three Kings (Melchiot, Gaspar, Balthasar) come to city of Barcelona. Different area's organise parades, but the biggest one is in Port Vell, where the ship arrives. The route of the parade can vary, but normally the whole city participates along with the festivities. That night ends early, so that the Three Kings can easily leave a present. But of course the present is only for those who have sent the Kings a list before arrival.



Another Catalan culinary tradition is the eating of the 'totell de Reis' (kings cake). It is a round cake which is available in practically every bakery in Barcelona. The cake is being cut in small pieces (a piece for every person at the table). The one who finds a figure of the king, receives a paper crown to wear. The unlucky person who finds the typical 'faba' (kind of bean), must pay the cake. Of course it's not necessary to follow all the traditions exactly, but everybody can celebrate the holidays their own way according to these traditions.

Time: January 5th, every year
Location: All over Barcelona

Picture by Carlos Lorenzo