Three Kings Day 2025 in Barcelona

Three Kings Day is a holiday much loved in Barcelona as well as in the rest of Spain. Three Kings or Three Wise Men are supposed to bring present​s​ for the whole family. But children, of course, are expecting this day the most.

Origins

The tradition of celebrating the Three Kings is rooted in the Christian Epiphany and dates back centuries. It's celebrated in various forms across Spain and Latin America, but in Catalonia, the holiday has a special charm, blending both religious and cultural elements with Catalan flair.

Historically, January 6th was seen as the most important day of the Christmas season, as it symbolized the arrival of the kings and the gifts they brought. Even today, the kings remain central to holiday traditions across Spain, offering a magical experience for children and adults alike.

La Cabalgata de Reyes

The highlight of Barcelona's celebration is La Cabalgata de Reyes, the grand Three Kings parade on the evening of January 5th. The kings arrive by boat at the city's port, where they are welcomed by the mayor and given the keys to the city, marking the start of the festivities. The parade then travels through the streets, with the kings tossing candies to children along the route, which passes by landmarks like Plaça d'Espanya and Montjuïc.

Each king is accompanied by an extravagant float featuring dancers, performers, and sometimes animals, bringing the magic of the occasion to life. It is the festival of true joy and a happy holiday atmosphere. Afterward, children leave their shoes out for the kings to fill with gifts, sometimes alongside a snack for the kings and their camels. During this time, traditional treats like the "roscón de reyes" (King’s cake) are savored.

Parade Route

In 2025, the royal parade will set off at 6 pm from Av Marquès de l'Argentera and will make its way through some of Barcelona's most iconic streets and landmarks. By 6:15 pm, it will reach Pg Colom, followed by Av Paral·lel at 7:10 pm. At 7:30 pm, the procession will continue to Rda Sant Pau, passing Sant Antoni Market around 7:45 pm. By 8:30 pm, it will arrive at C/ Sepúlveda and will reach Pl Espanya at 8:45 pm before concluding at 9:15 pm at Av Reina Maria Cristina near Montjuïc's Magic Fountain.

Barcelona's Epiphany Services

To experience the religious side of the celebrations, many churches in Barcelona hold special services on January 6th. The Barcelona Cathedral in the Gothic Quarter, for example, often hosts a mass for the Epiphany, offering a chance to observe the day's religious significance.

Click here to read about the Three Kings Parade in Seville.