How they celebrate Christmas in Valencia, Spain

Christmas is a magical and festive time all over the world, and Valencia, the beautiful city on the Turia in Spain, is no exception. With a rich history, vibrant culture and a diversity of unique traditions, Valencia becomes an enchanting destination during the Christmas season.

Christmas Illumination in Valencia

One of the first signs of the arrival of Christmas in Valencia is the spectacular lighting that adorns the streets and squares of the city. The festive lights, known as "Christmas lights" or "the lighting", create a magical and cozy atmosphere. The Plaza del Ayuntamiento, Plaza de la Reina and Calle Colón are some of the most emblematic places that are transformed into a stage of light and color to the delight of residents and visitors.

Christmas markets

During the Christmas season, Valencia is filled with traditional markets offering a wide variety of products and gifts. The Mercado de Colón and the Mercado Central are decked out with Christmas decorations and become perfect places to buy gifts, decorations and typical local products of the time.

In addition, the Christmas markets offer a selection of handicrafts, toys, sweets, gourmet products and decorative objects that add a special touch to the Christmas celebration.

The Three Kings Parade

The Three Kings Parade is one of the most anticipated and exciting events during the Christmas season in Valencia, Spain. This traditional procession, full of magic and color, celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men from the East: Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar, who bring gifts and blessings for children and families on the eve of Three Kings Day, on January 6 .

History and Origin of the Three Kings Parade

The history of the Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos has its roots in the Christian tradition. According to the Gospel of Matthew, the Magi came from the East following a star to adore the Child Jesus and present him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. The Epiphany festival, which is celebrated on January 6, commemorates the visit of the Magi to the Child Jesus and is a date of great importance in Christian culture.

Over the centuries, this celebration has become a popular tradition in Spain and other Spanish-speaking countries. In Valencia, the Three Kings Parade is an event full of symbolism and meaning, and represents generosity, hope and family unity.

Preparations and Decoration

The preparations for the Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos begin well in advance. Valencia City Council, together with local organizations and cultural associations, works hard to design floats and decorations that reflect the magic and spirit of the festivity.

The floats are meticulously decorated with Christmas motifs, biblical scenes and elements related to the history of the Three Wise Men. Each of the Three Wise Men has their own carriage, which is usually escorted by pages and characters from popular tales who interact with the public and distribute sweets and gifts to the children.

The Horseback Riding Tour

The Three Kings Parade runs through the main streets and squares of Valencia, from the Paseo de la Alameda to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where the official reception ceremony by the mayor and local authorities takes place. During the tour, thousands of people gather along the streets to watch the parade and welcome the Three Wise Men.

The atmosphere during the Parade is festive and exciting. The streets are filled with music, joy and applause as the Valencians come together to share the excitement and magic of the festivity. The children, with their eyes shining with emotion, look forward to seeing the Three Wise Men and receiving their gifts.

The Magi and their Meaning

Each of the Magi has a symbolic meaning:

Melchor is the Wizard King with white hair and beards, who represents wisdom and experience.
Gaspar is the Wizard King with blonde hair and beards, symbolizing youth and hope.
Baltasar is the Wizard King with black hair and beards, personifying strength and courage.
These three iconic characters, mounted on their majestic floats, are acclaimed by young and old alike, turning the Parade into an unforgettable event for the whole family.

Gift Giving and the Tradition of Shoes

At the end of the parade, the Three Wise Men go to their thrones in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where they receive the children and listen to their requests for gifts. The little ones present letters and drawings to the Three Kings, expressing their wishes and dreams for the new year.

Traditionally, children leave their shoes by the door or on the Christmas tree on the night of January 5, hoping that the Three Wise Men will leave their gifts inside them. Waking up on the morning of January 6, the children find their shoes full of toys and sweets, in a beautiful display of the magic and illusion of the festivity.

Emotion and Family Tradition

The Three Kings Parade is a celebration full of emotion and family traditions in Valencia. Valencians live this festivity with enthusiasm, which marks the end of the Christmas celebrations and the beginning of a new year full of hope and expectations.

The Parade is not only an opportunity to enjoy a colorful and exciting show, but also to share special family moments and create unforgettable memories that will last in the hearts of children and those who become children again during this magical season.

Christmas Eve and Family Christmas

In Valencia, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are occasions to get together as a family and enjoy delicious traditional foods. Christmas Eve dinner usually includes typical dishes such as stuffed turkey, roast lamb, fresh seafood and Christmas sweets such as nougat and polvorones.

After dinner, it is common to attend the Midnight Mass in the cathedral or in one of the local churches to welcome the birth of the Child Jesus. The streets fill with music and celebration as families share special moments and create unforgettable memories.

The Christmas Amusement Fair

During the Christmas season, the Jardín del Turia is transformed into an Amusement Fair that offers fun and entertainment for the whole family. With attractions like the giant Ferris wheel, roller coasters, carousels and game booths, the fair is an exciting and magical place to enjoy with friends and loved ones. In addition to the attractions, the Christmas Fair has food stalls where you can taste typical delicacies such as churros with chocolate and buñuelos.

New Year's Eve and the Lucky Grapes

New Year's Eve is another special celebration in Valencia, where the Plaza del Ayuntamiento fills with people to welcome the new year. As in many other parts of Spain, the "lucky grapes" tradition is very popular on this occasion.

At midnight, the stroke of twelve marks the beginning of the new year, and people eat twelve grapes, one for each stroke, while making a wish for the coming year. It is a fun and symbolic tradition that creates a festive atmosphere throughout the city.

The Kings Craft Fair

After Christmas and until Three Kings Day, Valencia hosts the Three Kings Craft Fair, an event that offers a wide range of craft products and special gifts for children awaiting the arrival of the Three Kings.

The fair presents a selection of handmade items, traditional toys and unique products that attract both tourists and locals looking for special gifts for the Three Kings Day celebration.