THE ANNUAL THREE KINGS Day Parade takes place in Orihuela Costa from 17:00 on Friday, 5th January 2024. The festive spectacle will leave Playa Flamenca and head towards La Zenia, arriving at Zenia Boulevard shopping centre around an hour later.
The parade marks the end of the festive season, which occurs just two weeks after the colourful Santa Claus Christmas parade made its way along a similar route through the streets of Orihuela Costa.
Known in Spain as the “Cabalgata de Reyes Magos”, Three Kings parades take place on the eve of Three Kings Day every year throughout the country. The following day, 6th January, is recognised as a national public holiday within the Iberian Peninsula and Spanish islands.
The Three Kings Day Parade celebrates the religious journey of the Magi, the three kings who visited Jesus in Bethlehem shortly after his birth, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
The Three Kings Day Parade in Orihuela Costa 2024
Today, the historically significant annual commemoration marks the time of year when children receive their Christmas gifts from the Wise Men, and in Spanish culture, the Three Kings celebrations are more revered than Christmas Day itself.
The Three Kings Day Parade in Orihuela Costa stands out for its vibrant display of colour, music, and artistry. The event typically features elaborately decorated floats representing the Wise Men – Gaspar, Balthasar, and Melchior.
These floats are often accompanied by performers dressed in colourful costumes, marching bands, and spectacular vivid dancers, creating a lively and festive atmosphere – long after Christmas has been forgotten in many other parts of the world.
Community participation is a cornerstone of the parade. Local schools, businesses, and community groups contribute to the festivities by participating in the parade or organising events related to the Three Kings Day.
A vivid celebration of colour, culture, and music
This involvement fosters a sense of community and belonging, as residents work together to create a memorable experience for participants and the visitors that line the parade route.
The annual Three Kings Day Parade in Orihuela Costa has become a social calendar highlight for both locals and visitors, illustrating a rich blend of culture, tradition, and community spirit.
The parade also has a significant impact on local tourism. Visitors from various parts of Spain and beyond are drawn to the area to witness the spectacle, contributing to the local economy.
Hotels, restaurants, and shops benefit from the increased footfall, making the parade not just a cultural event, but also providing an important economic boost for the coastal municipality at a typically low point in the tourist season.
From Playa Flamenca to La Zenia Boulevard
The Three Kings Day Parade in Orihuela Costa is more than just a celebration; it's a fusion of tradition, community, and cultural pride. This annual event commemorates a key religious story and showcases the area's rich cultural tapestry.
For those looking to experience Spanish traditions at their most vibrant, the Three Kings Day Parade in Orihuela Costa is an event not to be missed.
The parade will depart Plaza Antonio Vicea in Playa Flamenca at 17:00 on Friday, 5th January 2024, and head towards C/Pablo Picasso, C/Nicolás de Bussi, C/Salvador DalÃ, and C/Jade, finally reaching Zenia Boulevard shopping centre around 18:00. Check out the Google Map below for the starting location.
Another parade takes place in our municipal city of Orihuela an hour and a half later at 18:30. Our neighbouring city of Torrevieja also hosts their parade at 17:00 on Friday, 5th January. You can find more information about their parade here.
Looking for holiday ideas and travel inspiration? Find out more about our favourite recommended things to do on the Orihuela Costa or join the La Zenia community Facebook group and find out what's going on in the local area.
Photo credit: LaZenia.com
