Three Wise Men perform their magic

SEVILLE: The Three Wise Men flew over Seville in a hot air balloon yesterday , after traditional street parades on the eve of the Epiphany were cancelled throughout Spain to avoid drawing big crowds amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar are widely celebrated in Spain. They are said to have visited the infant Christ with gold, frankincense and myrrh.

On Epiphany children get presents their parents tell them have been brought by the Three Wise Men, and not Santa Claus.

After flying over Seville and waving at children watching from their homes, the Wise Men said they hoped they would be back with a proper parade next year.

‘‘We come with huge enthusiasm to deliver all the presents,’’ Caspar said.

The three urged all people to follow health recommendations.

‘‘You must follow the rules because soon enough we will be able to take off our masks and be able to give each other kisses and hugs and spread love all over Seville,’’ Melchior said. — Reuters