Three Kings bearing gifts are coming to town

CHILDREN across the Costa del Sol are getting excited as preparations for the Three Kings’ parades are reaching completion in almost every town and village across the region.

In keeping with tradition, Gaspar, Balthasar and Melchior travel the streets on the afternoon or evening of January 5 in a variety of ways, sometimes walking, sometimes riding horses or camels, but usually on floats pulled by vehicles.

Larger towns tend to have bigger parades, with many floats depicting popular characters, and children and adults riding on the floats throw sweets and gifts to the crowds.

Those who have not experienced the joys of the parade before may feel a little overwhelmed by the crowds and wish for a crash helmet to avoid being concussed by flying boiled sweets. Yet the festive spirit and joy and excitement of the young and young-at-heart soon get everyone shouting to the floats for gifts to be thrown in their direction.

Although most parades begin at about 5-6pm it is advisable to check with the local town hall for details of times and routes.