Fiesta de los Reyes

One of the more festive traditions in Spain is 'Los Reyes' (the Kings). Although Papa Noel (Santa Clause) is becoming increasingly more popular many Spanish families still keep tradition of the 3 kings bringing the gifts to the children.  There is usually a parade through the towns and villages  the 'Reyes' who are joined by locals and their floats.  The children line the streets and as the parade passers by sweets are thrown out to the children.  The night of the January 5th is when the 'Reyes' visit the households and leave presents.  The following day is also considered an important date for Spanish households, the day is started off with a sweet bread decorated with dried fruit taking centre stage on the family table, know as a 'Three Kings Cake'. Inside the bread is traditionally put a bean and a small gift and whoever finds the small give is considered the king or queen for the day, but whoever is unlucky enough to find the bean is expected to pay for the 'cake' the following year.

January 6th in Spain is a family day, spent exchanging gifts and spending quality time together, quite similar to the traditional Christmas Day celebrated in Northern Europe.