The Three Kings: in Spain, the festive season continues beyond December 25th

In regions like Marbella and the Costa del Sol, the festivities are especially remarkable, blending ancient customs with the area’s modern, cosmopolitan vibe. From parades filled with magic to heartfelt family traditions, this time of year offers a unique glimpse into the enduring spirit of Spanish holidays.

• Table of contents
• Marbella's extended Christmas: The Three Kings celebration
• January 4th: A spectacular arrival in Marbella
• January 5th: Three Kings parade
• January 6th: Three Kings Day – a national holiday 
• Posting letters to Santa & The Three Kings
• The history of Three Kings Day in Spain

The celebrations begin spectacularly on January 4^th with a unique local tradition: The Three Kings arrive by boat at Puerto Deportivo in Marbella at 5:00 PM, where they are officially greeted by the mayor before proceeding through the town in open-top vintage cars. This journey takes them to the historic Ayuntamiento (Town Hall) in Marbella's old town, creating an exciting spectacle for local residents and visitors. Reaching the Plaza de la Iglesia alongside the Royal Guard, the local authorities then ceremoniously hand over the keys to the city to the Three Kings, who will spend the night at Marbella Castle to prepare for the parade the following day.

Marbella’s streets come alive on January 5^th with the spectacular Three Kings Parade, starting at 6:00 PM along Avenida Ricardo Soriano. The parade begins at the Pirulí—an iconic bronze tower near the Palacio de Congresos—and travels along the main avenue, ending at Avenida Severo Ochoa by the Quirón Hospital.

Featuring elaborate floats, costumed performers, and the Marbella Musical Group, the parade transforms the city into a carnival of excitement. The Three Kings—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—lead the procession, showering the crowd with sweets and small gifts. Families gather early along the parade route to secure good spots and bring extra bags to collect the candies and toys hurled from the floats. For convenient parking, Calle Jacinto Benavente is a local favorite.

On January 6^th, Spanish families continue the celebrations by opening gifts brought by the Three Kings. A special tradition involves the Roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped sweet bread with a hidden surprise—typically a small figurine of Jesus. Whoever finds this hidden trinket becomes the "King of the house" for the day. As a national holiday, businesses close, allowing families to fully enjoy their traditions.

Interestingly, the holiday's timing has led to a unique modern adaptation. Because January 7^th often marks the return to school, and children have limited time to enjoy their new toys, many Spanish families now split their gift-giving between December 25^th and January 6^th. As locals might say, this is just one of the perks of living in Marbella—a flexibility that allows for extended holiday joy.

Just as children in other parts of the world write letters to Santa, Spanish children craft letters to the Three Kings. Marbella makes this tradition extra special with the “Casa del Cartero Real” “House of the Royal Mailman” in the Parque de la Alameda.

Here, children can post their letters, sharing their Christmas wishes and hopes for Kings Day. It’s a magical experience that adds to the excitement of the holiday season.

The origins of Three Kings Day trace back to the biblical account of the Magi, or Wise Men, who journeyed to Bethlehem bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for the newborn Jesus. This narrative inspired medieval Iberian communities to celebrate Epiphany with religious observances.

What began as a purely religious observance gradually evolved into a broader cultural festival that captured the imagination of Spanish communities. By the 19th century, the celebration had developed distinctive features like elaborate street parades, letter-writing traditions, and community-wide gift-giving.

In modern Spain, Three Kings Day represents far more than a simple holiday. It's a profound expression of cultural identity that bridges historical religious traditions with contemporary family celebrations. The day symbolises generosity, community unity, and the continuation of long-standing cultural practices unique to Spanish society.

For regions like Marbella and Costa del Sol, the celebration remains a vibrant testament to cultural continuity. The day transforms an ancient biblical narrative into a living, inclusive experience that connects generations through shared traditions of joy, anticipation, and communal celebration.