Only a couple of sleeps left until els Reis Mags, the Three Kings of the East, arrive to bring gifts to children, young and old, given that the most traditional day for gift giving at Christmas in Catalonia is January 6th, Dia de Reis! But before that, on the evening on January 5th, as per tradition, in Barcelona and in most other towns around Catalonia, is the traditional Cavalcada de Reis: the Three Kings parade, which closes the Christmas festivities and is a magical time for both adults and children, as floats, Christmas spirit and magic fill the streets. Below, the details of this year's parade in Barcelona.
The arrival of the Three Kings in Barcelona
As is customary, the Three Kings arrive in Barcelona this January 5th, 2024 at 4:30pm at the Portal de la Pau, by sea. Specifically, they arrive on board the sailing vessel Santa Eulàlia. They will be received by the mayor of the city, Jaume Collboni, who will give them the keys to the city. Next, the long-awaited parade will begin in Barcelona.
Three Kings' Parade: start and finish time
As marked by tradition, the Cavalcada de Reis de Barcelona this 2024 will take place on Thursday, January 5th, Nit de Reis. Specifically, the street will start at 6pm, on Avinguda del Marquès de l'Argentera. It then proceeds along its route to arrive at the Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina, at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc, at approximately 9pm. Of course, the arrival time of their Majesties at Montjuïc can vary a little depending on how the cavalcade progresses.
The route of the Three Kings' Parade
This year, like last year, the main change in the traditional route of the parade is caused by the roadworks in Via Laietana. Thus, instead of going up this street, the parade will continue along Passeig de Colom and head up Avinguda Paral·lel. It reaches the Mercat de Sant Antoni via the Ronda de Sant Pau, and then proceeeds via Carrer de Sepúlveda till Plaça Espanya. From there, a turn between the "Venitian towers" to head up Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina, where the 2024 Three Kings Parade will culminate at the foot of the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.
Here are the key estimated times of the route of Barcelona's Cavalcada de Reis, the Three Kings' Parade 2024:
- 18.00 h: Avinguda Marquès de l'Argentera
- 18.20 h: Passeig de Colom
- 19.15 h: Avinguda Paral·lel
- 19.30 h: ronda Sant Pau
- 19.45 h: Mercat de Sant Antoni
- 20.30 h: Carrer de Sepúlveda
- 20.45 h: Plaça Espanya
- 21.00 h: Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina
The Three Kings' Parade in Barcelona 2024 is made up of ten large blocks that, together, measure one kilometre in length. This year the kings are riding in new carriages inspired by their places of origin. There will also be some other new floats, characters and costumes in the parade.
Neighbourhood parades in Barcelona
In addition to the main Three Kings parade in Barcelona, as every year, families should be aware that several neighbourhoods will celebrate their own cavalcades, a proposal that can be ideal if you live far away from Ciutat Vella / Eixample and prefer to see Melcior, Gaspar and Baltasar a little closer to home. Thus, Poblenou, Horta-Guinardó, Nou Barris, Trinitat Vella, la Verneda, Les Corts-Sants, Sant Andreu-Sagrera, Navas, Camp de l'Arpa and el Clot all have their own local parades.