The Cavalcada de Reis is a festive procession that fills the streets with light and colour every 5 January. As evening falls, the Three Wise Men travel through the city on decorated floats, followed by dancers, musicians and other characters. Families line the pavements to watch them pass, catching sweets in a shared sense of excitement. More than a parade, it is a collective moment of anticipation that returns each winter.
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The procession covers around 5 km and includes theatre companies, dance troupes and live music. Each Wise Man travels on his own float, followed by pages and royal messengers.
Tons of brightly coloured sweets are thrown into the crowd, while the coal float adds a light-hearted reminder that not everyone has been on their best behaviour.
Alongside the main parade through the Eixample, smaller processions take place in each district. In neighbourhoods such as Sants, Nou Barris and Horta, things feel more local and community-led.