The Three Kings are coming! The excitement of the younger children can be seen in their faces when they hear this expression in the first days of January. The arrival of the Kings of the Orient on the Costa del Sol is characterised by parades that are repeated all over the province of Málaga, along with the handing out of presents. What's more, though, this is also the time for solidarity with those who have less.
In Spain, Christmas ends each year with the arrival of Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar. According to Catholic tradition, they gave the Baby Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh as gifts. Reliving that historical episode, boys and girls write their letters full of wishes to the Kings of the Orient.
Parades
This tradition is repeated every 5 January, when Their Majesties are received all over Málaga with processions and parades, where huge amounts of sweets are thrown out to bystanders. This festival is obviously aimed at the younger children, but entire families attend to enjoy the event.
One of the most popular is undoubtedly the parade in the city of Málaga where more than 11,000 kilos of sweets are shared out. It's really quite a spectacular event! But the Three Kings visit every neighbourhood and every town, they are truly magical! And not only on 5 January, some parades take place on 4 and 6 January too.
This festival also has its gastronomic aspect. On the morning of 6 January the presents left by the Three Kings are opened, and it's a traditional custom to have some Roscón de Reyes, a cake based on a recipe of sponge cake with glazed fruit, which is typical of this festival and is rarely missing in homes throughout the Costa del Sol.
Shopping
On the evening of 5 January, the shops of the more popular commercial areas remain open as late as midnight so that everybody can buy their presents. It's a night full of atmosphere and excitement in shops all over the province, and really quite a special shopping experience.
Giving gifts
The values of solidarity and generosity prosper at this time of year. As a result, every year, as part of the festivities related to the Three Kings, our society demonstrates its solidarity with parades for charity, and presents are handed out in less well-off neighbourhoods and families, an example of society's commitment to helping those who have less.
