Los Reyes Magos - Three Wise Men (also referred to as the Three Kings, and as the Magi)

Tomorrow is one of the most important Christmas Spanish traditions and when Christmas will be over in my country.

One of the most entrenched traditions in the Spanish culture is the celebration of the king’s night, when children and adults are filled with illusions and hopes. The Cavalcade is a parade on each January 5th (today) that is carried out in large and small cities in Spain. It is to represent the route that toured the Magi from Bethlehem to find baby Jesus following the star which pointed the way. Tonight we will go to follow the parade to see the Three wise man and to receive sweets from them.
Before going to sleep, children (of course we too) put some milk (or wine for the kings), biscuits next to the Christmas tree and some water for their camels. We also leave out our best pair of shoes to be filled with presents. :)

But few days before, children helped by adults, write a letter to the Kings of The Orient (the three wise man), in which they detail, more or less, their behavior during the year (although the Kings already know) and which reflect their illusions and yearnings for the New Year. Also they write the gifts they want to receive. Closed the letter with really excitment, it's time to deliver it to the Kings. The letter can reach their Majesties by different paths. The first was delivered by hand to royal page, one of the most funs, beautiful and exciting. . The king’s pages mounted the stage in which Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar receive children to take their letters and hear what gifts they want to receive, after verifying that they have behaved well and have been good. My son did it yesterday...

Tomorrow, 6 January children wake up (believe when I say sooo early in the morning)and see how many presents they have received. If they have been good, they will find a lot of good presents but if they have been naughty they will find coal. These days, the coal is actually made of sugar, but some years ago it was real coal.

During this day, all families enjoy a piece of roscon (a sugar-frosted fruit-filled bread) for breakfast or as a lunch dessert. The tradition says that the person who finds a novelty such as a small china (normally one of the Kings) in his or her portion can wear the crown an will have good luck for the next year but if you find a "bean" you must pay "The Roscón".

All of us (kids and adults) enjoy opening their presents on this day, but sadly it also marks the end of Christmas.

The Kings night is one of my best memories of my chilhood, absolutely exciting.

Tomorrow some pictures... :)