Today is El Dia de los Reyes (three kings day aka Epiphany). The Spaniards like to stretch out holidays as much as possible so they celebrate Christmas, then the New Year, and then they hang on until the 6th of January for Epiphany. Last night was the parade where the three wise men enter the city at the port and parade through the city, bringing gifts and candy for all the good children. The bad children get coal. Lucky for me, I had the perfect view of the parade from my balcony. Photos are posted here.
I have seen many Thanksgiving Day parades in my time with all the giant, balloon characters and the jolly Santa Claus waving at the end with his reindeer and big, fancy sleigh, but they don't really compare to the Reyes parade. Lights and dancing seemed to be the general theme, and candy. I've never seen so much candy at a parade. They make those of us who have given out candy at political parades look like pathetic amateurs. And, of course, since it's not Wheaton, they actually throw the candy into the crowd rather than putting each piece into every child's hand. Spaniards are not afraid of their children being pelted with candy. They see it as a joyful thing, as do most normal human beings who aren't afraid of someone suing their town for assault with a sticky weapon. Anyhow, the parade was really excellent. The kings paraded down the street in all their oriental splendor, with music to match the Middle Eastern mood. It was a reminder of the Arabic roots of Spanish culture, despite the fact that it is a Christian celebration. I mean, the Moors were here for 700 years, even if those darn Catholic Kings did manage to reconquer the country eventually. If there is one thing that Spain does well, it is holiday celebrations. I have never been disappointed by a parade or fiesta in Spain.
I think the pictures can probably tell the rest of the story better than I can so I'll leave it at that. Happy Epiphany!
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