Barcelona Three Kings Parade | Reyes Magos 2026 Route & Tips

Name: Barcelona Three Kings Parade | Reyes Magos 2026 Route & Tips
Start: 2026-01-05T17:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-01-05T23:00:00+01:00
Location: Barcelona Three Kings Parade | Reyes Magos 2026 Route & Tips

About the Three Kings Parade in Barcelona

Every year on January 5th, Barcelona celebrates the arrival of the Three Wise Men — Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar — with a spectacular Reyes Magos paradeSpanish Christmas tradition honors the Biblical Magi who brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus. In Spain, it’s the Three Kings, not Santa Claus, who deliver presents to children.

Thus, in Spain, Christmas gifts are traditionally opened after dinner on the 5th of January (around 20:00h), or for children, on the morning of the 6th of January. This day is a national holiday known as Three Kings Day or Día de Reyes, marking the end of the festive season and the spiritual significance of gift-giving.

The Three Kings Parade in Barcelona begins with the Kings arriving by boat at Port Vell, followed by a dazzling procession of motorised floats through the city. The parade features music, dancing, acrobatics, and costumed performers reenacting scenes of generosity and joy with a Catalan focus. As the floats pass, the Kings and their entourage throw wrapped sweets into the crowd — typically fruit-flavored boiled candies.

For families planning a magical evening — this is a heartwarming and child-friendly event that blends faith, fantasy, and community spirit. Whether you're local or visiting Barcelona in January, the Reyes Magos parade offers a joyful glimpse into Spain’s rich holiday traditions.

The tradition is that the Three Kings arrive after a long camel ride from the far east to the villages, cities and towns of Spain. In Barcelona the Three Kings (actors in costume!) arrive from the Far East by boat in Port Vell with a dignitary giving a short speech before the Kings are paraded around the streets on motorised floats.

With the three kings are many other floats with children and adults dancing and enacting scenes relevant to receiving gifts. As the float parade passes the people lining the streets, sweets, normally wrapped boiled fruit flavour, are thrown to the spectators.

The wise men or 'Biblical Magi' are mentioned in the Bible in the Gospel of Matthew, verses 2:1-9. Although the Bible does not specify who or what the Magi were, since the seventh century, the Magi have been identified in Western Christianity as Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar and are considered saints by the Catholic Church.

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Visiting the Float Parade of the Three Magic Kings

The Three Kings make their grand entrance to Barcelona by sea at 4pm on January 5th, arriving aboard the historic Santa Eulalia Sailboat. They disembark at Moll de la Fusta, just in front of the iconic Port Aduana building (41.375601, 2.179057), where they are welcomed with a festive ceremony. Expect a lively stage presentation filled with music, speeches from local dignitaries, and performances that set the tone for the magical evening ahead.

At 18:00h, the Three Kings Parade officially begins at the Parc de la Ciutadella entrance on Passeig de Isabel II. The procession winds its way past key city landmarks, including Estació de França, the Correos Post Office, and the Columbus Monument (Torre Colom). From there, the floats continue up Avinguda del Paral·lel, through Sant Antoni, and onward to Plaça Espanya, culminating at Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina around 21:30h.

See the full route in the Map section below.

Best viewing spots:

Passeig de Isabel II: Offers a scenic backdrop of historic buildings and early views of the parade.
Torre Colom: A unique stretch where the parade follows the last remnants of Barcelona’s medieval city wall, passing the Maritime Museum.
Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina: Near the Magic Fountains and Venetian Towers, this area offers elevated views and a dramatic finale to the evening.

Accessibility & What to Bring

The Three Kings Parade is held on wide, paved city streets, making it generally accessible for visitors with reduced mobility. Most areas along the route are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, though crowds can be dense. If you're attending with mobility aids or small children, consider viewing from Avinguda del Paral·lel or Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, where there's more space and easier access.

Public transport stations like Drassanes, Barceloneta, Paral·lel, and Espanya all offer step-free access via elevators. Accessible toilets are available in near Plaça Espanya and the Magic Fountains area.

Bag for collecting sweets: Wrapped boiled fruit-flavored candies are tossed from floats — a favorite for kids!
Warm clothing: January evenings in Barcelona can be chilly, especially with sea breezes near Port Vell
Comfortable shoes: You may be standing or walking for several hours
Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while waiting along the route
Camera or phone: Capture the floats, costumes, and your child’s reactions
Mobility aids or folding stool: Optional for those who need seating or support
Snacks for kids: Food stalls are limited along the route, especially in later sections

Float Parade of the Three Magic Kings Summary of Prices

Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Train/Bus Fare Entry Ticket Additional Information Adult Zone 1 T-casual FREE Child € 1.25 FREE Notes The Float Parade of the Three Magic Kings is a free event

When to arrive at the Float Parade of the Three Magic Kings

While the Three Kings officially arrive by boat at 16:00h at Moll de la Fusta, this part of the event includes a lengthy stage presentation and speeches delivered entirely in Catalan. For international visitors — especially families with young children — this segment may feel slow and less engaging.

For the best experience, we recommend arriving around 17:15–17:30h to secure a good viewing spot along the early part of the parade route, such as Passeig de Isabel II or near Estació de França. The float parade begins at 18:00h and is the true highlight — a vibrant procession of music, dancing, acrobatics, and themed floats that children will love.

Later sections of the route, such as Avinguda del Paral·lel and Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina, tend to be less crowded and offer more space, especially for families with strollers or those arriving closer to the finale around 21:30h.

Getting to the Three Magic Kings Float Parade

Address: Avenida Reina Isabel II & Passeig Colom, Barcelona, 08003

We recommend using a T-Casual or Hola Barcelona Travel Card for unlimited travel across the city.

Nearby Metro Stations

Where you choose to view the parade will determine the most convenient metro stop. The route stretches across central Barcelona, so several stations offer easy access depending on your preferred location.

Drassanes (L3 – Green Line): Closest to Moll de la Fusta and the Kings' boat arrival
Barceloneta (L4 – Yellow Line): Ideal for early viewing near Estació de França and Passeig de Isabel II
Paral·lel (L2 & L3): Good access to mid-route areas along Avinguda del Paral·lel
Espanya (L1 & L3): Best for the parade finale near Plaça Espanya and the Magic Fountains