Three Kings Day in Barcelona: Traditions, Parade Route & Local Tips

Three Kings Day (Día de los Reyes Magos) is one of the most important and magical celebrations in Barcelona. Celebrated every year on January 5th and 6th, it marks the moment when children receive their presents — not from Santa Claus, but from the Three Wise Men: Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar.

For visitors, this is a unique opportunity to experience authentic Catalan traditions, lively street celebrations, and one of the most spectacular parades of the year.

The Tradition of Three Kings Day in Barcelona

In Catalonia and across Spain, Three Kings Day is more important than Christmas Day itself. According to tradition, the Three Wise Men traveled from the East to bring gifts to baby Jesus — and today, they continue this tradition by bringing gifts to children during the night of January 5th to 6th.

Children write letters to the Kings, leave out sweets and water for the camels, and wake up on January 6th to find their presents waiting at home.

🎁 Local tip: On January 6th, most families gather for a long lunch, and many shops remain closed, making it a quieter, more local-feeling day in the city.

Cavalcada de Reis de Barcelona – The Three Kings Parade

The highlight of the celebration is the Cavalcada de Reis, Barcelona’s iconic Three Kings Parade, held every year on January 5th in the evening.

✨ The parade features:

• Dozens of colorful floats
• Hundreds of performers
• Music, lights, and choreography
• And thousands of sweets thrown into the crowd

It’s a joyful, family-friendly event enjoyed by locals of all ages.

Three Kings Parade Route (Typical Route)

The Cavalcada de Reis usually follows a long route across the city, allowing people in different neighborhoods to enjoy the parade. Below is the approximate route and timing for the evening of January 5th:

• 🕟 4:30 PM – Start at Portal de la Pau
  The Three Kings officially arrive in the city and the parade begins.
• 🕡 Around 6:35 PM – Passeig de Colom
  One of the most scenic parts of the route, close to the waterfront.
• 🕖 Around 7:00 PM – Portal de Santa Madrona / Ronda de Sant Pau
  The parade continues inland, passing through lively local areas.
• 🕢 Around 7:30 PM – Mercat de Sant Antoni
  A very popular viewing point, especially for families.
• 🕗 Around 8:30 PM – Carrer de Sepúlveda
  The parade moves toward the final stretch of the route.
• 🕘 Around 9:00 PM – End at Plaça d’Espanya
  The grand finale of the parade, with lights, music and final performances.

⚠️ Please note: Timings are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the pace of the parade and crowd conditions.

👉 For the latest official updates, we recommend checking the city’s official channels   closer to the event date.

January 6th in Barcelona: What Happens Next?

On January 6th, families celebrate at home, and bakeries sell the traditional Roscón de Reyes, a round cake decorated with candied fruit.

Inside the cake:

• 👑 Whoever finds the small king figure is crowned
• 🫘 Whoever finds the bean traditionally pays for the cake

It’s a must-try seasonal treat!



Practical Tips for Travelers

• 🛍️ Shops: Many stores are closed on January 6th
• 🚇 Transport: Public transport runs, but expect temporary street closures on January 5th
• 🎟️ Plan ahead: Restaurants and attractions may have limited hours
• 👀 Watch your belongings: Like all major events, it attracts pickpockets in crowded areas

👉 For more tips, check our related blogs:

• How to book tickets from official websites
• Public transport & best travel cards
• Free museums in Barcelona

Why Experience Three Kings Day in Barcelona?

Three Kings Day offers a rare glimpse into local life, far from typical tourist experiences. It’s colorful, emotional, and deeply rooted in tradition — a perfect moment to see Barcelona through local eyes.

✨ Have you ever experienced Three Kings Day in Spain?
👉 Which part of the celebration would you most like to see — the parade or the Roscón de Reyes?