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.
