So tomorrow January 6th is Three King’s Day. It is the day that is celebrated in Spain over Christmas. The gifts, parties all the big stuff, that is all saved for Three King’s Day. This day celebrates the gift giving of the magi who brought gifts to the baby Jesus. (So really it does make more sense than exchanging gifts of Christmas Day) So the three kings are all over, on decorations, in the parades, everyone knows their names (something I NEVER learned in Sunday school).
So tonight, the night before the parade wandered through Rota. It started at about 4:30 at the castle downtown with the kings making their appearance and then the parade worked its way up from the marina toward the base. I was RUSHING to get out of work and get the kids to the parade since this is our last one. (oh so sad!) Thankfully in Spain everything generally starts a little late so I was hoping I could find the parade somewhere and catch up to it.
It couldn’t have gone more perfectly! The is a large parking lot just off base at the bus station/gypsy market I decided to park in and then walk the rest of the way. Well we walk to the other side of the bus station and there everyone is lined up on the side of the road waiting for the floats. THREE minutes later they came! Perfect!
O waiting for the parade. Thankfully it was a super short wait and the weather was just perfect!
These kids came prepared!
Adorable little girls!
Pretty girls! I would love to be able to ride the floats in these fabulous dresses! So much fun!
It's raining candy!
Streamers EVERYWHERE!
Cuties!
And some sweet little boys rode the floats too!
One of the kings (I don't know which one, don't judge me!)
Tossing soccer balls
Getting ready to grab some candy!
I panicked for a second thinking that they were going to have to shove the candy into my purse, but yay, I always have my reusable collapsible shopping shoved in my purse so I was able to pull that out. That bag has come in handy SO many times!
We came home with SO many streamers!
Grabbing as much candy as possible!
Now, there are professionals who SERIOUSLY come prepared to the parade. One of the most common things is the ol’ upside down umbrella, the better to catch candy with! Really clever idea, however, we don’t need that much candy!
HARDCORE parade-goers
Even easier, just bring a blanket!
The aftermath
We had a fun time at our last Three Kings Day parade… Thankfully my kids aren’t expecting the three kings to come visit tonight, OUR holidays are over!
Sink Or Swim 