The whole city gets ready to welcome Their Majesties, the Three Wise Men, with a major artistic parade that brings together the essence of Barcelona’s talent and the latest technology.

The children have provided the excitement, the City Council and parents have taken care of the logistics, and the city’s artists have contributed their talent. All of this comes together to create a Three Kings Parade that is renewed this year and promises to be a true city-wide spectacle, worthy of welcoming the Three Wise Men. Ready? At 4.30 p.m. on 5 January, the Kings will arrive in the city, and at 6.00 p.m. the parade will begin.

The route is similar to last year’s. It starts at 6.00 p.m. in Ciutadella Park; passes at 6.35 p.m. along Passeig de Colom and Via Laietana; reaches the Columbus Monument at 6.55 p.m.; crosses the Portal de Santa Madrona at 7.10 p.m.; continues at 7.30 p.m. along Avinguda del Paral·lel and Ronda de Sant Pau; passes Sant Antoni Market at 7.45 p.m.; reaches Sepúlveda with Comte Borrell at 8.10 p.m.; Sepúlveda with Entença at 8.30 p.m.; and at 8.50 p.m. the parade will arrive at Avinguda de la Reina Maria Cristina. The event will end at 9.20 p.m. on Avinguda de Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia.

If you have a disability or functional diversity, bring your accreditation card to access one of the reserved viewing areas.

As has been tradition for years, Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar will arrive at the Plaça del Portal de la Pau and, on this occasion, they have chosen to do so aboard the classic Golondrinas. There they will be welcomed by Jaume Collboni, Mayor of Barcelona, who will present them with bread and salt—a symbol of hospitality—and the magic key that opens the doors of every home.

From there, the parade begins, as set designers, choreographers, musicians, dancers and performers transform it into a showcase of local creativity and talent, using the latest technologies to turn the procession into a vibrant artistic display.

First come the members of Brincadeira, who will let you “see” the music: they wear costumes that react to sound and light up. They will precede the float of Page Estel and her entourage, performing a choreography inspired by the music of the spheres. A Post Office float will collect children’s letters—have you seen the new bicycles and mailboxes? They are the work of set designer Carles Berga, with contributions from José Menchero and Isabel Joaniquet, and choreography by Brodas Bros.

Next are the stilt walkers from Ateneu Popular 9 Barris, dancing to music composed by Xavi Oró in front of the Pacifiers float, where pacifiers are collected from babies who have grown too old to use them.

King Melchior’s procession will be accompanied by pages, banners and dancers from the CDC (Centre de Dansa de Catalunya), who are responsible for the choreography. Be sure to notice the new toy float, created by set designer Ramón de los Heros: a colourful little train transporting toys for children, while dancers perform a choreography by Som-Hi Dansa.

King Gaspar’s float recreates the mystery and myth of his Eastern origins and is followed by a cycling-themed float entitled “Barcelona and the Tour, a great tandem.” This piece was conceived by Barbara Pons, with set design by Ramón de los Heros, skate coordination, and dramaturgy by Montse Ginesta. The music, composed by Bernardo Rojas, includes a bicycle dance performed by the parade’s choreography team and the XL BMX school.

Among the most spectacular new features this year are the giant puppets accompanying King Balthasar’s float. Inspired by African culture, the float carries a giant djembe drum, setting the rhythm for a DJ, live percussionists and dancers through the streets of Barcelona. Roseland Musical, the Tambedou family and the Senegalese company Kay Feech, led by Anna Mbengue, are in charge of bringing it all to life. They are followed by large, three-metre-tall animal-shaped puppets created by Hoekwil Roger Titley, internationally renowned for his work.

If you want sweets—or coal—you’ll have to wait for the final float of the parade. Here, live music is performed by Guillem Albà, a real treat, based on the original version by composer José Manuel Pagán. The choreography is directed by Irene Pallarés, and the dancing candy procession with Page Omar features new music by Arturo Calvo.

Anyone wishing to welcome the Three Wise Men should come to the Barcelona Three Kings Parade. Before attending, be sure to check all the details on the Christmas website.