Denia Vlog Part Eight – the Three kings Parade

While in other countries is Santa Claus the one bringing gifts, here the tradition is that the Three Kings who visit Spain every year bring gifts in this special night, especially for children.

Night of the Three Kings on January 5th.

Especially for Michele, The names of the 3 kings are Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar.

The Catholic tradition tells that the Three Kings traveled from the East to bring gold, incense and myrrh to the newborn baby Jesus.

With time, some symbolic elements have been added to the story as well as the custom of celebrating the arrival of the Three Kings during the day of the Epiphany.

In the past the Three Kings distributed roles regarding giving out gifts, unfortunately for Balthazar he was in charge of giving coal (the real one, not sweet) stones or wood to children who had not done well during the year.

Gaspar gave candy or nuts.

Melchior brought clothes and shoes; the gifts of those times were adapted to the needs of the moment.

The Three Kings, as such, are not very widespread and are celebrated only in some Spanish-speaking countries, mainly because of Father Christmas or Santa Claus has prevailed, although both have the same origin, the ancient celebration of the  winter solstice.

Paul.