“Three Kings” parade Madrid

Spain celebrated the arrival of the Three Kings yesterday, on January 6.  Well actually they celebrate their very imminent arrival the night before, on January 5, in spectacular parades and street festivals across the country.

Next year, if you’re trying to think of somewhere to spend the colder months, think about making a visit to Madrid over the Christmas and New Year season.  You’ll see Madrid at its best (winter days are characterised by bright, crisp blue skies) and the kids can be won over by the fantastic Christmas shows and displays and the distribution from floats of literally tones of sweets in the city’s major Three Kings parade.  Write it down because you probably won’t read about it.  Madrid is appalling at promoting its traditional events.  The city’s own special Christmas guide this year makes a one line mention of the Three King’s Parade — hardly an indication of the scale or importance of the event which thousands of spectators attend and for which the entire centre of the city is blocked off.  Read more...