La Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos – Asrie

One of Spain’s traditions that I enjoyed experiencing the most was the Cabalgata de Reyes Magos. reyes1

I have never seen such a celebration like it before and it was definitely a very cool experience. In the United States, the Christmas customs are all quite different among families and are not really observed as a whole community or country. The cabalgata is an event that all of Spain celebrates but each city has their own unique way of presenting it. It is essentially a parade of the Three Kings, or Magi, as they ride through the streets with children throwing candy and sweets into the crowd. The parade is meant to commemorate the Christian feast day, Epiphany, which occurs on the following day.

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During the cabalgata in Córdoba, everyone crowded the main avenida to witness the arrival of the kings. There were crowds of families with their young children holding bags to gather the candy that will be thrown at them. There were several floats and bands making their way down the street before those of the Magi. Music was playing, people were dancing, and everyone involved in the parade was wearing costumes. Candy was flying everyone and some even hit me. No one should underestimate the strength of little kids!

By the time the Melchior, Gaspar, and Baltasar arrived, the crowds and children erupted into cheers and excitement. The kings waved and gave more sweets to the crowd. Los Córdobeses went wild! It was awesome.

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The cabalgata was definitely a fun and unique celebration and I would love to see it again in the future!