If you are looking for a festive and fun way to celebrate the end of the Christmas season, you might want to visit Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on January 5th and 6th. These are the days when the city celebrates the arrival of the Three Kings, also known as the Magi or the Wise Men, who brought gifts to the baby Jesus according to the Christian tradition

Disclaimer: I do not claim to be an expert about this Spanish tradition. I have tried to provide accurate and reliable information, based on online research, but I cannot guarantee its validity or completeness.

Public Holiday

The Three Kings are very popular in Spain and especially among children, who receive presents from them on January 6th, which is also a public holiday. But before that, there is a big parade on January 5th, where the Three Kings arrive by boat at the port of Las Palmas and then ride through the streets, accompanied by floats, music, and dancers. They also collect the letters from the children who ask for their wishes.

Parade At 5PM

The parade starts at 5 pm from Castillo de La Luz and ends at Parque San Telmo, where there is a stage for speeches and performances. The parade lasts for about three hours and attracts thousands of spectators who line up along the route to see the spectacle and catch some of the sweets that are thrown from the floats. The parade is broadcast live on local TV and radio stations.

The Parade

The parade is not the only event that takes place on January 5th. There is also a ceremony at Muelle Sanapu, where the Three Kings arrive by boat at noon and are welcomed by the mayor of Las Palmas, who gives them the key to the city. There is also a show with music, dance and fireworks. The ceremony is free and open to the public, but you need to arrive early to get a good spot.

The Concerts In Triana

After the parade, there are concerts in various locations around the city, such as San Bernardo, Alameda de Colon, Plaza Tenor Stagno, Plaza Hurtado de Mendoza and Parque San Telmo. The concerts start at 7.30pm and feature local artists and bands playing different genres of music. The concerts are also free and open to everyone who wants to enjoy some live music and celebrate with the locals.

Concerts

Calle San Bernardo

7.30pm – 8.30pm: Cuenta Atrás
8.45pm – 9.45pm: Señor Natilla (8:45 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.)
10.00pm – 11.15pm: Tribute to Queen
11.30pm – 12.30pm: Los 600

Plaza de Stagno

7.30pm – 8.30pm: Los Hombres de Cynthia
8.45pm – 9.45pm: Cremita de Coco
10.00pm – 11.15pm: Qué Chimba
11.30pm – 12.30pm: Asere

Local Tradition

The celebration of the Three Kings in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria is a unique and memorable experience that you should not miss if you are in Gran Canaria during this time of the year. It is a great opportunity to see how the locals celebrate their culture and traditions, and to join them in their joy and excitement. You will also learn more about the history and meaning of this holiday, which is one of the most important ones in Spain.