Alcoy’s Three Kings Parade

The Three Kings Parade ends the Christmas celebrations in Alcoy in colourful vibrant fashion. Located in the county of L’Alcoià, Alcoy transforms age-old festive traditions into true works of art. An example of this is Betlem de Tirisiti, an inventive nativity play in the form of a puppet show which is a must-see if you’re in the town on the dates the spectacle is performed.

In the lead-up to Alcoy’s much-anticipated Three Kings Parade on the afternoon of the 5 January, there are two important events that get the excitement going: ‘Pastoretes’ and ‘El Bando’. Firstly, the children’s ‘Pastoretes’ parade sees the streets flooded with youngsters dressed in traditional shepherd attire, dancing as they go. From their beautifully decorated carts, children throw sweets and poems into the crowds. 

‘El Bando’ takes place the day before the Three Kings Parade and sees the Royal Ambassador announce the arrival of the Three Wise Men. Donkeys carry letterboxes stuffed with letters written by the kids and the royal pages are an important feature of the spectacle. Once ‘El Bando’ is over, you’ll just have to wait until the next day to see the main attraction.

At last, the 5 January paves way for the Three Kings Parade, transforming Alcoy entirely to welcome the Three Wise Men to town. The action kicks off in the morning when the little ones visit the Royal Camp, based in the Preventorio area. As afternoon arrives, everyone is ready to cheer and wave as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar make their grand entrance into the city, surrounded by musicians, shepherds, pages and heaps of anticipation.

One of the most popular moments of the Three Kings Parade in Alcoy is when the pages, to the glee of youngsters, climb up very long ladders to give children presents on the many balconies that overlook the streets. The Adoration is then held at Plaza de España and Handel’s ‘Messiah’ is played to the crowds. This is, without doubt, the perfect festive activity to do with the family. Save the date and make sure you’re there to greet the wise men at the Three Kings Parade.