How to Celebrate Reyes Magos in Gran Canaria
If you are looking for a unique and magical way to spend the first days of January, you should consider visiting Gran Canaria and joining the festivities of Reyes Magos, or the Three Kings. This is a traditional Spanish celebration that commemorates the arrival of the three wise men from the East who brought gifts to baby Jesus. In Spain, this is the most important day for children, who receive their presents on January 6th, the day of the Epiphany. But the fun starts on January 5th, when the Three Kings arrive in every town and city with spectacular parades and events.
In this blog post, we will tell you everything you need to know about celebrating Reyes Magos in Gran Canaria, one of the most beautiful and diverse islands of the Canary Islands. You will discover where to see the best parades, how to enjoy the local traditions and delicacies, and what to expect from this magical experience.
The Arrival Of The Three Kings
One of the highlights of Reyes Magos in Gran Canaria is the arrival of the Three Kings at Muelle Sanapu, the port of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, the capital of the island. This usually happens around 12:00 pm on January 5th, and thousands of children and families gather at the port to welcome them. The Three Kings usually arrive by boat, helicopter, or other means of transport, and are greeted by the mayor of the city, who gives them the key to enter all the houses and deliver their gifts. The children can also hand their letters to the Three Kings and ask for their wishes.
The Three Kings Parade
Another highlight of Reyes Magos in Gran Canaria is the Three Kings Parade, or Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos, that takes place on January 5th in the evening. This is a colorful and festive procession that goes through the main streets of every town and city, with floats, music, dancers, and performers. The Three Kings are accompanied by their pages, who throw candies and sweets to the crowd. The children can also see their favorite characters from cartoons, movies, and fairy tales.
The parade usually starts around 5:00 pm or 6:00 pm and lasts for a couple of hours. The most popular parades are in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, which starts from Castillo de la Luz and ends at Parque San Telmo; in Mogan, which starts from Arguineguin and ends at Perez Galdos square; in Agüimes, which starts from Cruce de Arinaga and ends at Plaza del Rosario; and in San Bartolome de Tirajana, which starts from El Tablero and ends at Avenida de Galdar.
The Night Of Reyes Magos
After the parade, the night of Reyes Magos begins. This is a very special night for children, who have to go to bed early and leave some water and food for the Three Kings and their camels. They also have to leave their shoes near the door or window, where they will find their gifts in the morning. Some families also attend a mass at midnight to celebrate the Epiphany.
The Day Of Reyes Magos
On January 6th, the day of Reyes Magos, children wake up early to open their presents and play with them. They also share their gifts with their friends and family. This is a public holiday in Spain, so most shops and businesses are closed. However, some restaurants and cafes are open for breakfast or lunch.
Roscón De Reyes
One of the traditions of this day is to eat Roscon de Reyes, a round cake with candied fruit on top that symbolizes the jewels of the Three Kings’ clothes. Inside the cake, there are usually two surprises: a small figurine that represents baby Jesus or one of the Three Kings, and a bean. Whoever finds the figurine is crowned as king or queen of the day, while whoever finds the bean has to pay for the cake.
Why Celebrate Reyes Magos In Gran Canaria
Celebrating Reyes Magos in Gran Canaria is a great way to experience a different culture and tradition that is deeply rooted in Spanish history and religion. If you are looking for a memorable and magical way to start the new year, you should definitely consider celebrating Reyes Magos in Gran Canaria. You will not regret it!
