Local Winter Festivals: King’s Day in Barcelona

Kings Day, or Los Reyes, is much more important in Barcelona, and really, in all of Spain, than Christmas. Sure, people here celebrate the 24th and the 25th and welcome Santa, or Papa Noel as they call him, but the real party is in January.

King's Day, or Los Reyes in Barcelona. By Regina WInkle-Bryan

King’s Day is on the 6th of January and is a national holiday. The 6th is the day when the King’s were supposed to have shown up to give baby Jesus his presents. Naturally, this is the day when kids in Spain receive the big time cache of holiday booty. The King’s for the most part, are much more generous than old St Nick.

If you are traveling in Barcelona with children over the 6th, you will not want to miss the King’s Day parade in the center of the city. The King’s look impressive in their elegant costumes (although one friend of mine said they looked like they were in drag…)as they and their helpers throw candies into the crowd. And there will be a crowd! A huge crowd. This is a VERY popular event so go early, get your spot, and be prepared to get into the King’s Day merriment.

Good places to watch the Kings are:  Plaza Cataluna or nearby Parc Ciutadella.