Christmas here in Lanzarote and throughout Spain itself is a slightly different affair to what is celebrated in Britain. To start with the the big day is not seen as the 25th of December, and the kids don't sit up all night waiting to catch a big fat man squeezing his way out their fireplaces. No, instead they await the Three Kings (Los Reyes Magos) or most might know them as the three wise men. But for kids in Spain these guys don't come on the 25th they wait until the 6th of January to hand out the much awaited gifts.

The 6th of January is the day of the Epiphany, according to Christian tradition this was the day that Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar came to visit the baby Jesus and brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Such lavish gifts for a new born child, but they were late getting there and Toys r us was probably closed that day.

But why do some countries recognise the Three Kings as Kings and not wise men?, as with most Biblical things there are many thoughts on how writings should be perceived, but the three guys that turned up late to the birth of the baby Jesus in Spanish beliefs were said to all be kings, Balthasar the King of Arabia, Melchior the King of Persia and Casper the King of India. On the 5th of January the streets are lined with people waiting to watch the procession of the three kings as they pass by on camels, throwing down sweets and other goodies to the children. That evening the children leave out their shoes where the Kings will see them, the next morning they will find gifts left next to them, once the gifts have been opened they have a traditional breakfast cake called Roscón de Reyes. It’s a round cake with candied fruit on top symbolising the precious gems that the Kings clothes were covered in.

Check out this video of the Puerto del Carmen Three Kings Parade, it's a fantastic parade and is an absolute must see if your in Lanzarote on the 5th of January or any other Spanish country for that matter.

 Dont forget we are open as usual so come down to Gran Karting for a Christmas tear up on Europes largest Karting Track, race like a pro!

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