16 Dec Three King’s Day 2022 in Madrid

Probably one of the most celebrated holidays in Spain during Christmas time. Three King’s Day fills both children and adults with joy. But, what exactly do we celebrate?

It commemorates the day when the Three Wise Men from the East arrived to worship baby Jesus and to give him their presents (gold, incense and myrrh), guided by the Star of Bethlem. Even though it’s mostly a pagan holiday today, it’s on the same date as the Epiphany. This religious feast alludes to the moment when Jesus Christ first presented himself to the Three Kings. They are also called the Wise Men, because Christians used to refer to wise priests that way back in the Ancient Orient. In fact, they make an appearance in Matthew’s Gospel, although their names or how many they were aren’t specified. Their current names, Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar appear for the first time on the mosaic of Saint Apollinare Nuovo in Ravenna, which dates back to the 6^th century.

Those interested in the history and etymology of this tradition shouldn’t miss the guided visits for adults that the National Archaeological Museum organizes around this topic. Kids will probably have a better time taking the Three King’s Train, a fun itinerary with performances that departs from the Príncipe Pío station.

But by now you are probably wondering, how do you actually celebrate this holiday in Madrid?

Well, it all starts on the afternoon of January 5, when everyone goes out into the streets to see the Cabalgata. There are several around the different districts in the capital, but the most popular one takes place downtown. It’s a parade formed by a series of floats intricately decorated and accompanied by music, from which sweets and other little gifts rain down on the spectators. Many companies, organizations and the public administration participate, but the best part is always the end, since the Three Kings’ floats are the ones that close off the parade.

After that, it’s almost mandatory to have a sort of snack/dinner consisting of roscón and hot chocolate. For those who don’t know what a roscón is, it’s basically a spongey dough, infused with orange blossom and decorated with candied fruit pieces. It can be enjoyed as it is or filled with whipped cream, chocolate, custard… To sum it up, it’s so delicious, that we at Palacio de Atocha by CoolRooms Manor Hotels couldn’t resist the temptation to organize a Three King’s snack so that everyone can try our mouth-watering, homemade roscón.

Before going to bed, it’s customary to leave some food and drinks for the King’s as well as the camels they ride. This is so they can get their strength back at every home they visit when they come to leave us presents. Because this is the best part about the celebration for many, particularly the little ones. Before Christmas everyone must have written their letter to the Wise Men with a list of the presents they wish to receive. They will arrive silently when everybody is asleep to put the gifts under the Christmas tree. And those who didn’t behave well during the year will know so because they will get coal. Although, bearing in mind that it’s actually coal candy, it’s not such a bad present!

When morning dawns on the 6^th, everyone opens their presents and most Spanish families gather for lunch with their loved ones to keep exchanging gifts and share the last holiday of the Christmas season together.

Once again, Palacio de Atocha had the initiative to set up a Three King’s Day menu fit for such a magical occasion. If you want to get the full experience with us, from start to end, including a present, both meals and a night of true palace rest in one of our rooms, visit our vouchers section.