The Kings came to Benidorm

Last Saturday saw the arrival of Los Reyes Magos – the Three Kings in many towns and cities across Spain, including Benidorm.

The parade eventually set off from Elche Park after a slight delay as the tractor pulling the kings’ float broke down. Twelve floats and over 800 participants and numerous livestock such as geese, donkeys, goats and oxen participated in the parade.

The first part had a carnival like theme, with vibrant animated characters from popular children’s books and films. These were interspersed with animated dance routines and bands followed by the more traditional religious aspect, with nativity scenes, Roman soldiers, shepherds and the last float, the stars of the event – Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar, the Three Kings.

Thousands lined the entire route, all vying to catch the tonnes of sweets thrown out to the crowds along the way. The parade finished at the town hall square, where the Three Kings carried the traditional gold, frankincense and myrrh to present to the baby Jesus and the night finished with a grand firework display lit from the roof of the town hall building.