Right now I am as happy as a little kid because I just got home from my first-ever attendance at a traditional Cavalcade of Three Wise Men. 😀
Traditional? Yes, in Spain it became a real tradition to wait for the Three Wise Men (Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar) on the evening of January 5. As we know, two thousand years ago they brought gifts (gold, frankincense and myrrh) to the newborn Jesus after his birth, in homage to him. Nowadays, they are celebrated on Three Kings Day (January 6) and the children especially like this day as they receive the gifts.
More gifts arrive with the Three Wise Men than for Christmas.
This tradition, although may seem old, took place for the first time at the end of the 19th century. I found the info that the city of Alcoy claims that the first time it was celebrated there in 1866, although there are also a few other cities that say to be the first in organizing this parade.
Whoever invented it, doesn't matter anymore as it is now a very popular tradition in every single Spanish city. I found out that it would start at 18:30 in the place I currently live, so I went to see it. What I found was thousands of people in all the streets where the cavalcade was scheduled to pass by, standing by the road and it was really hard to find a place from where I could see it well. Honestly, I didn't expect so many people... well, as I said, it was my first time seeing this kind of parade.
There were many floats that passed through the city with different costumes and themes. Each of them had their own little orchestra marching between the floats, as well as dancers, torchbearers, pages and escorts. They were taking the letters from the children and throwing candies at the people. I managed to catch one candy. 🍬
The first float came with little dancers and with the song Don't Stop Me Now by Queen.
A big Spiderman was the second to pass, accompanied by a group of spider-lady dancers.
Lego toys, I guess?
This float was carrying princesses and was accompanied by bubbles and effects. Also with very cool music, I liked it.
Super cute walking flowers that were greeting us, I made a short video too so while filming I missed taking a photo of the other tall flower that I liked even more. Btw, the colour of the flowers was changing as they had light inside the costumes that were programmed to change it.
Beware, here comes a dragon with three heads!
The was the Holy family, accompanied by angels.
I liked this float a lot as the standing girl was singing a great song (don't know the game of it) and the angels or fairies were dancing with their wings. The costumes were spectacular.
In case you forgot to send your letter to the Three Wise Men, you could do it now. ;)
A shooting star made me think about the proximity of Three Kings. Two thousand years ago they followed the star...
And indeed, the first Wise Man appeared, riding a dromedary.
While these floats were passing and throwing candies I caught one and bragged to my son in a message. 😂 Then I missed to take a photo of the second Wise Man. 🤦♀
My candy.
Just one of the so many groups of musicians.
The third Wise Man, also riding a dromedary. He was looking at the other side at this moment, but he was attending all the children that were coming close to him to shake hands or receive a letter.
Those who had not behaved well during the year would receive coal. The girl came close to ask the children if they had behaved well. 😁
However, at the end of the parade, these classic cars brought the gifts! Huge boxes with names... I hope the children who attended this Cavalcade of Three Wise Men will sleep well this night, from all the excitement that this parade brought.
Hola Mipiano, feliz año nuevo para ustedes y para todos los suyos. Una experiencia nueva para contar ¡¡¡Tu primera cabalgata de los 3 reyes magos!!! Imagino que para los niños debe ser algo muy emocionante...la ingenuidad divino tesoro. Disfruta tu caramelo XD y recibe mi primer abrazo de este año.
No era emocionante sólo para los niños - para adultos también jajaja
Lo que me fascinó lo más es la cantidad de grupos de baile y músicos que participaron, es un trabajo y esfuerzo que se hace y alegra el día para todos y luego la multitud de personas que estaban en todas esas calles donde pasaba la cabalgata.
Tu abrazo llegó, lo recibo en la mañana del día de los Reyes como un regalo más valioso 🤗
Esas tradiciones que mueven multitudes y aglomeran personas de todas las edades contagiadas de alegría y festividad son cada vez más necesarias. No importa el motivo, importa el efecto. Me emocionaron tus palabras, agradezco infinitamente que valores de tal manera mi abrazo, las recibo igualmente como regalo...cosas buenas que nos ha traído Hive 😊🤗
Que bonito espectáculo! Se nota que es muy querida esa tradición por las personas..
Me sorprendió en realidad, no imaginaba que tantos participarían. Yo veo el trabajo, el tiempo necesario para prepararlo y luego la ilusión y alegría! 😀
How beautiful! I love the floats!!! The dragon fascinated me! This year I could not attend as I do every year, force majeure, but now I can see this one through your photos, thank you very much!!!! It is beautiful!😍
The dragon was cool and elegant in that white outfit :)
There will be many years ahead to see the cabalgatas, you had other more important things to do!! I am glad you liked this one, although from Malaga is probably more spectacular ;)
I found out that instead of doing it in the afternoon when you can see the lights they did it at noon, this year it couldn't be this year but my mother is first. Already today she can put her foot down.
Yes, they changed the time in some cities because of the weather.
That is great, poco a poco, without hurry as it has to heal well!
I'm here .... massages, ointments and anti-inflammatory... he leans on me and walks.
That's such a cool festival! The images already conquered my heart, imagine living this on your own!!
As attending it for the first time I was as a little kid, smiling and having a good time 😀
I can see why! :)
What a fantastic start to the year, over here everything is flat and dead as folk return to their workplaces. I hope you enjoyed your candy ( which I am sure is thrown out for kiddies to catch! BAD MOM )
I think today is the last day of the Christmas lights on the streets. And I will take down the Christmas tree too today, so I will try to enjoy this last festive day and then... maybe I will have to work a bit hahaha
The candy - I am also a kid 😂
ah yes 12th night that seems the same time over here.
What a beautiful and fun events 🤩, it is neat and really organized, like they prepared so much for that important day. And it's crazy hoeany people attend just to witness this. If I'm living there we won't miss this event. The float are all beautiful, their costumes is just as pretty as their themes are. So lucky if you to have watch this and even document it with lots of photos.
Yes, so many people and I didn't expect it to be honest. But such a nice surprise ;)
I suppose it was a lot of work to prepare everything, that is what I value the most in this event! 😇
This is beautiful. I can imagine how excited everyone was especially the children who would be going home with beautiful gifts.
Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed reading it.
Thank you for stopping by @luchyl
I knew that this tradition is popular and loved but I have never been to one. Until yesterday, so I can confirm that yes, it brings excitement for the little ones and bigger ones too ;)
I can relate. I had the privilege of attending a traditional ceremony (initiation into manhood) at the village I went to spend the holiday. I know about it but haven't attended before so I was excited to this time.
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