Ready for the Three Kings Parade in Madrid? At LOCK & enjoy! we invite you to enjoy one of Madrid’s most important Christmas events, especially if you have young children.
Can you imagine moving freely, without worrying about carrying weight or looking for a safe place for your things? LOCK & enjoy! has the perfect solution. Our lockers in Madrid are strategically located, allowing you to leave your belongings in a secure place while you enjoy the magic of the Parade.
Origin of Three Kings Parade in Madrid
The Three Kings Parade is a deeply rooted tradition in Spanish culture, as it is celebrated across the country. For instance, it was first organised in Madrid in 1929, making it one of the oldest in Spain.
It is a parade that recreates the arrival of the Wise Men bringing gifts to baby Jesus, guided by a star.
In the past, this festival had a more religious character, as it is a Christian tradition. However, it has evolved to become a spectacle of music, colour, and art. The floats that travel along the marked route depict biblical scenes with both children and adult characters.
It is a wonderful opportunity to gather the whole family and share unique moments, as well as to enjoy the illuminated streets of the capital.
Route
This Christmas event takes place on Sunday, 5th January, just before Epiphany (a national holiday throughout the country). The parade starts at 18:30 and ends at around 21:00.
The official route of the Three Kings Parade in Madrid is similar to previous years. It begins at Paseo de la Castellana, specifically at Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz, and continues towards Plaza del Doctor Marañón and Paseo de Recoletos. It ends at the famous Plaza de Cibeles.
At Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz, a welcoming ceremony is held for the key figures: Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar, the three kings. We would like to highlight that at Cibeles a small closing ceremony is organised with a speech by the Wise Men for the children and a small fireworks display.
At LOCK & enjoy! we explain the best places to enjoy this activity:
- If you head to Plaza de San Juan de la Cruz, you will be among the first to see the arrival of the Wise Men. Also, you can see the numerous floats parked before they move through the various streets.
- Paseo de Recoletos is the widest but least crowded area. If you have children, it is the most recommended area for comfort.
- Plaza de Cibeles is the most bustling spot, as it is where the fireworks are launched.
Very close to Cibeles, we have our locker facility in Atocha. Take the opportunity to leave your belongings and enjoy the Three Kings Parade.
Tips for the Three Kings Parade in Madrid
Thousands of people attend this event, and therefore, it is essential to be well prepared, especially if you are going with children. We have prepared a small guide with a series of tips to help you enjoy the event without complications.
Firstly, choose a spot in the front row. For this, we recommend arriving well in advance of the start time. Otherwise, the little ones will not enjoy the event. Another option is to choose a place that is as high as possible.
Keep in mind that it is very cold in January in Madrid, so dressing warmly is essential (hat, scarf, gloves, etc.).
Take all necessary precautions to keep an eye on the children, as it is easy for them to get distracted by any detail and get lost.
And lastly, don’t forget to bring a small bag to collect all the sweets that the Wise Men throw from the floats. It is one of the moments that visitors enjoy the most. Keep in mind that small gifts are also thrown, although they are harder to catch.
Enjoy the Roscón de Reyes!
Once the Three Kings Parade is over, the tradition continues with the famous Roscón de Reyes. It is one of the most typical Christmas sweets in Madrid.
It is a sweet dough bun made round and decorated with candied fruit of various colours. Over the years, this product has evolved and now it is also sold filled with cream, truffle, or chocolate. Inside, it hides small ceramic or plastic figures, which is why it is also a favourite among children.
It is traditionally eaten on the evening of 5 January with a cup of chocolate.
Now, where can you buy one in Madrid? In most bakeries, pastry shops, and confectioneries in the capital, you can find one. We recommend the following:
- Pastelería Mallorquina. Opened its doors in 1894, so it is a reference in Madrid. The Roscón they sell is completely artisanal, as it is fluffy and soft on the inside, as well as crispy and toasted on the outside. They offer the traditional Roscón, but also have it filled with milk truffle. There is more than one Pastelería Mallorquina in Madrid, however, you have one at Puerta del Sol, very close to our lockers in Plaza Mayor.
- Umikobake. We recommend this pastry shop in Madrid for buying the Roscón, as it received an award for the best artisan Roscón in Madrid in 2023.
- El Panazo. It is a family business of Syrian origin that combines recipes from the East and the West. We would like to highlight that they make the Roscón using a classic recipe with top-quality ingredients.
Also, take the opportunity to enjoy any of the activities in Madrid that we offer at LOCK & enjoy! You can also book your locker in advance and enjoy discounts and promotions.
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