Cavalcade of the Three Kings in Alicante

In Spain, the culmination of the Christmas and New Year holidays is a grand carnival known as the Procession of the Three Magician Kings (Cabalgata de Treys Reyes Magos), or simply the Feast of the Three Kings. This presentation is based on a biblical story telling about the visit to Bethlehem of the Magi Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar, three kings from the East, who brought their gifts to the newborn Jesus. In Alicante, this holiday lasts for two days and begins on January 4 with a procession of royal postmen (I told you about it earlier). On January 5, at 16 o'clock, the Kings themselves arrive in the port of Alicante, then they go to the square in front of the bullfighting arena, where entertainment for children begins at 17 o'clock and a procession is formed. At 19:00, the cavalcade begins to move, passes through the Plaza de los Luceros, then along the Avenida Alfonso El Sabio exits onto Rambla de Méndez Núñez Boulevard. Here, from five o'clock in the evening, the audience begins to gather to take a comfortable place at the fence. I got here around seven o'clock, and I had to settle for the third row. The procession consists of three parts: first there are musical orchestras, groups of artists and dancers, giant dolls. The second part presents biblical scenes, among which one can recognize the Nativity of Christ, the appearance of the star of Bethlehem, the worship of shepherds and other subjects. Finally, the magi themselves appear, three kings are sitting on one cart, and their retinue is on the second, carrying gifts and scattering sweets. Endless platforms represented by public and commercial organizations move behind them, and gifts are also distributed here. Two blocks short of the waterfront, the Cavalcade turns onto Calle Rafael Altamira, going to Plaza de Ajuntamento. Here the three kings ascend to the balcony of the city Hall and address the audience with greetings.