Feliz Ano Nuevo

More about Feliz Ano Nuevo (Christmas) in Spain

As mentioned in the article, "A Glimpse Of Christmas in Spain", the more important date over the festive period is actually 6th January, Epiphany.

The celebrations start on the night of the 5th with the Three Kings (Los Reyes) arriving, traditionally on horseback into town to distribute the gifts to the children. The "festeros" are responsible for this extravaganza and the children are, as you can imagine, extremely excited. The Kings approach the edge of town with fireworks announcing their arrival. The band and townsfolk accompany the procession whilst being showered with confetti and sweets from the Kings and their helpers.

The helpers are dressed in traditional robes which are tabard type affairs and they are also totally blacked up depicting their origins according to the Bible so the youngsters have no idea who they are. The Kings are also robed as you would expect in long cloaks of velvet and fur plus each of them is painted a different colour so again anonymous to the little ones. The procession passes through the streets and finally arrives in the church.

A small oratory is made to explain the importance of this time of year and to wish good health and cheer to all and finally the presents are distributed by the Kings seated on their "thrones" to each child... those children whose parents or grandparents have left a pressie with the festeros and a small donation towards the coming fiestas!

The following day a Mass is held and traditionally the rest of the day is spent with family eating, drinking and being merry for tomorrow we go back to work.

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