DIA DE LOS REYES MAGOS - SPANISH CHRISTMAS

Tres reyes or Tres magos

DIA DE LOS REYES MAGOS - MALLORCA´S ULTIMATE CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS

The Spaniards just love their celebrations and take every opportunity to have a fiesta. They’re also very fond of keeping their old traditions alive. And that definitely includes Christmas. But while December 24th and 25th are celebrated in Spain much like the rest of Europe, January 5th is when they really go all in, for Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings' Day), which is considered the official Christmas in Spain. And then, January 6th is a national holiday.

In Mallorca, the Spanish Christmas stretches from Christmas Eve to January 6th, and the celebrations are full of charm, fun, and tradition. Christmas markets, holiday lights, and plenty of festivities fill the air until the grand finale of the season. Let me tell you why this celebration is cute, beautiful, fun, and huge. The spaniards definitely go all in.

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THE NIGHT BEFORE - A GRAND CELEBRATION ON JANUARY 5;TH

On January 5th, the excitement builds for the big event—the Día de los Reyes Magos. This is the real Christmas for many in Mallorca, and it’s celebrated big time with parades, music, and the arrival of the Three Kings—Melchior, Balthazar, and Gaspar. The largest celebration takes place in Palma, but almost every village on the island has its own version of the festivities, including Puerto Portals, Port de Soller, Puerto Alcudia, and Port de Pollenca.

The Kings usually arrive by boat, but in some villages, they even arrive on horseback! The Three Kings parade through the streets, tossing sweets and small gifts to children—something that’s sure to light up the entire town.

THE MAGICAL TRADITION FOR CHILDREN

On the evening of January 5th, children (and sometimes adults) write letters to their favorite King, telling them what gifts they would like to receive. Children then leave sweets, food, wine, or milk for the visiting Kings, along with a polished shoe. The Kings replace these offerings with presents or, depending on the child’s behavior, maybe some coal.

The next morning, on January 6th, Epiphany (also known as Three Kings’ Day), children wake up to find their presents (or coal) near their shoes. It’s a magical moment and marks the culmination of the 12 days of Christmas.

THE GRAND PARADE IN PALMA - SPANISH CHRISTMAS

If you want to witness the Kings’ arrival, head down to Moll Vell in Palma at 18.00 on January 5th. You’ll see the Three Kings arrive by boat in the harbor before the big parade begins. The parade, which features 13 floats and 41 troupes, moves up Avenida de Antonio Maura, the main street from the harbor to Passeig de Borne. It’s a vibrant and colorful with music, dancers, and performers celebrating the holiday spirit.

The streets are crowded, but this is a celebration you won’t want to miss. During the parade, the Kings throw appox 5,000 kg of candy to children along the route. The procession ends at Plaza de Cort, where the Kings greet the crowd from the Town Hall balcony around 20.15. The festivities continue with music and concerts until midnight, keeping the joyful atmosphere alive all night long.

STAYING CLOSE TO THE ACTION AT OCHO SUITES AND KITCHEN

If you’re staying at Ocho Suites & Kitchen, you’ll be just a short walk from the parade. This boutique hotel is tucked away in a charming alley just around the corner from the festivities. With its seven beautiful suites, Ocho Suites & Kitchen offers a mix of Miami meets Mallorca design, and it’s truly one of Palma’s hidden gems.

Whether you're looking for a relaxing retreat or a stylish base for exploring the city, this hotel provides the perfect spot to enjoy the Día de los Reyes celebrations in comfort.

DON´T MISS THIS CELEBRATION

Día de los Reyes Magos in Mallorca, the Spanish Christmas, is a celebration like no other. It is rich in tradition, joy, and community spirit. From watching the Kings arrive by boat to receiving gifts the next morning, it’s a truly magical experience. The parades, the candy, the music, and the fun make this a holiday you’ll never forget.

If you are lucky enough to be in Mallorca during this special time, be sure to soak in the magic of Three Kings’ Day. It is a wonderful way to experience the holiday season like a true local.

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