Christmas celebrations here on Ibiza don't end on the 25th of December. The Spanish tradition is for the festivities to carry on right through to the day of the Three Wise Men (Día de los Reyes Magos) which celebrates their arrival on 6 January, marking the religious festival of The Epiphany.
An important holiday across the whole of Spain, the Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos) will take place in towns and villages across the country, usually on the evening of 5 January. Throngs of excited children line the streets to catch the sweets that are thrown to them by the Kings as they pass by on horses or lavishly decorated floats. After the parade it's time to head to the marquees where presents are dished out to the eager youngsters.
In Ibiza Town the Three Kings are taking a new route this year whilst the Vara de Rey area is being pedestrianised so the parade on the evening of 5 January 2017 will start on the beachfront at Figueretas. It then weaves its way through the streets to arrive at the Christmas Market and impressive Christmas Tree at Plaza de Antoni Albert i Nieto. Arrive at Figueretas at 18.30 h to enjoy the spectacle of the Kings in all their finery or take up position in one of the bars along the route to soak up the bustling atmosphere of the parade.
The parades take place across the island so if you are in San José make your way to the marquee where pressies will be given out at 20 h. The San Antonio parade kicks off at 18.30 h in the port. Or if you prefer, you can head to Santa Eulalia where the action starts in the port at 18 h before the gifts are delivered in Plaza España at 18.30 h.
Wherever you choose to celebrate, you are sure to be swept along with the excitement of the arrival of the Three Kings.
You can get full details for the event by downloading the full Christmas programme for each town or you can simply turn up at the allotted hour, release your inner child and join in the fun.
WORDS | Anne McPherson
