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Instead of Santa Claus or St Nicholas, Spanish children look forward to 6 January.
This is the day of Epiphany and Twelfth Night, when the Three Kings brought gifts of Frankinsense, Gold and Myrrh to the baby Jesus.
Some children do receive a small present on Christmas Eve but the main presents are given on Kings Day (Los Reyes).
On the eve of Kings Day in Valencia (5 January), parades of floats wind their way through the streets of Valencia and vast amounts of sweets are distributed to the children.
The parade ends with a concert with popular Spanish singers and the children receive small gifts from 'Los Reyes Magos'.
Before going to bed on the 5 January children leave their shoes by the door with food and drink for the Kings. In the morning they gleefully awake to find their shoes full of presents from the Three Kings.
Una Rosca de Reyes is a special pastry made for Kings Day and pastelerias (cake shops) throughout Spain are full of them. As well as candied fruits and cream, the pastry may also contain a coin. If you find it, you'll be lucky for the rest of the year.
TIP! - Kings Day is a great celebration for both children and adults because this day coincides with Los Rebajas, the start of the January sales!
For a good selection of hotels, hostels and apartments check out our page on Valencia Accommodation.
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