Thinking of Reyes

It’s today—the very last day of the year.
By now, you’ve probably heard more than enough about the elaborate parade of New Year’s Eve traditions and paraphernalia the Spanish adore: red underwear, grapes, bells, cotillón… Spaniards like to celebrate, and when they do, they spare absolutely no detail or imagination.

Many of you likely already have your plans for tonight. Others, well… you won’t be sleeping much anyway, thanks to the fireworks. After all, this is Valencia—where fire and explosions sit right at the heart of the city.

You may have noticed that the city rush has slowed down a little. Streets feel quieter, cafés less frantic. Only toy shops remain stubbornly busy. But my mind is already on another date—the third and final big day of the Spanish Christmas holidays: January 6th.
It made me wonder how your kids are doing with Reyes Magos Day. Have they asked you about their chances of present-bringing?

Because children do the math. If Spanish kids get presents on January 6th, then surely they should too—after all, they also live in Spain.

Mine certainly have. And I was very clearly informed that taking down the Christmas tree was absolutely not allowed. “Just in case.”
So yes, today I made a last-minute purchase and got them a small, symbolic present each—nothing extravagant, just enough to keep expectations (and magic) intact.

I do love this day, and I truly recommend going to watch the Cabalgata parade on the 5th—the arrival of the Three Wise Kings into town. It’s impressive, and towns across Spain compete fiercely to stage the most spectacular entrance. I still remember seeing them arrive by boat… and even by helicopter. If you don’t manage to go, the evening news usually shows highlights of the best ones.
It’s visually striking and genuinely emotional for children—the local equivalent of watching Taylor Swift arrive. And it’s also a wonderful moment to step outside the expat bubble and soak up the local colour.

And in case your kids want a piece of that magic at home, here are a few ideas for what the camel-riding guys might bring—so they don’t feel left out of the fun. Living abroad comes with its challenges for children; letting them enjoy a few extra perks doesn’t hurt.

• A book, of course.
• Theatre tickets — there are several children’s shows at Teatro La PlaZeta and Teatro Flumen.
• A handcrafted toy from Fira de Nadal at Luis Vives.
  (I got mine here—a truly perfect and safe wooden crossbow for €12.)
• Flying Tiger never fails.
• A “yes day” voucher — breakfast out, a park picnic, or a slow family afternoon chosen by them.
• Art or craft supplies — good paper, markers, modelling clay; something open-ended that lasts beyond the day.

And of course, don’t forget the Roscón de Reyes for breakfast. Order it in advance from your local bakery and pick it up on the 5th—there’s almost no chance of finding one on the 6th, when the entire city seems to close.
Eating it together is half the fun: inside are two small surprises, a little king and a pea. Whoever finds the king is crowned King of the Day (the crown comes with the pastry), and whoever finds the pea is meant to pay for next year’s roscón. So chew slowly—and carefully.

The day usually ends in local playgrounds and parks, where children proudly showcase their new toys and parents finally breathe again—because, at last, the next day is a school day.

Happy New Year, and Felices Reyes!