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The celebration of the Three Wise Men – Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar – holds a special place in Spain’s festive calendar. On 6 January (Día de Reyes), most families awaken to gifts, and the day is marked with parades (cabalgatas), sweets and community gatherings. Though many parades take place on the evening of 5 January, the actual holiday of 6 January remains a national holiday and is observed in towns large and small along the Costa del Sol. Below are some of the major celebrations in the region.
Where the 3 Kings Parades are happening on the Costa del Sol in 2026
Although official information has not yet been received yet (as of writing this guide in November 2025), here are where you can typically find the most popular 3 Kings parades every year.
Marbella - Cabalgata de Reyes Magos
The town of Marbella hosts its grand cabalgata (parade) of the Three Kings, featuring elaborate floats, music and the distribution of sweets to children. (officially confirmed)
Date & Time: Evening of 5 January 2026, from approx 18:00.
Location: Avenida Ricardo Soriano and central streets, Marbella (Map)
More Info: Panorama Marbella article
Mijas (Pueblo / La Cala) – Cabalgata de los Reyes
In the municipality of Mijas, the Three Kings’ parade runs through its three main districts: Mijas Pueblo, La Cala de Mijas and Las Lagunas. More than 8,000kg of sweets will be distributed!!! (officially confirmed)
Date & Time: 6 January 2026; Mijas Pueblo at 16:30, La Cala at 17:00, Las Lagunas at 17:30.
Location: Various routes; e.g. Plaza de la Constitución, Mijas Pueblo (Map)
More Info: Mijas Comunicación article
Torrox Costa – Cabalgata de Reyes Magos
Torrox hosts one of the largest Three Kings events in the Axarquía region with around 80 floats and a wide array of sweets and toys. (officially confirmed)
Date & Time: 6 January 2026, 10:00-22:00 (approx) – see local updates.
Location: Avenida García Peñalver / Plaza de la Constitución, Torrox Costa (Map)
More Info: Costa del Sol event summary
Estepona – Día de Reyes Celebration
Estepona’s celebration includes a parade of the Wise Men plus a community breakfast featuring roscón de Reyes and hot chocolate. (not officially confirmed)
Date & Time: 6 January 2026 morning – finalised times to be announced.
Location: Paseo Marítimo/Port area, Estepona (Map)
More Info: Vacation Marbella guide
Benahavís – Poblado Navideño & Three Kings Visit
The village of Benahavís runs a small Christmas village and reception for the Three Kings, ideal for a quiet local experience. (not officially confirmed)
Date & Time: 19 – 22 January 2026 (expected) – check local municipal notices.
Location: Plaza del Pilar, Benahavís (Map)
More Info: Benahavís Navidad programme
Please note: times and dates can change according to weather or municipal decisions. It’s always best to check the official town council or tourism office website the day before.
FAQs
👑 What is the Three Kings’ Day celebration in Spain?
The Three Kings’ Day – known as Día de los Reyes Magos – is a national holiday celebrated on 6 January. It marks the arrival of the Three Wise Men (Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar), who brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus. In Spain, this is traditionally the day when children receive their Christmas presents, rather than on Christmas Day.
🎉 When do the main celebrations take place?
Most of the festivities happen on the evening of 5 January, when towns and cities across Spain hold colourful “Cabalgatas de Reyes” (Three Kings parades). The Kings travel through the streets on floats or camels, throwing sweets and small gifts to the crowds. The following day, 6 January, is a public holiday spent with family.
🍰 What is the traditional food eaten on Día de Reyes?
The star of the day is the Roscón de Reyes – a sweet, ring-shaped brioche cake topped with candied fruits that represent jewels. Inside, it hides two surprises: a small figure of a king and a dried bean. Whoever finds the king is crowned for the day, while the person who finds the bean traditionally pays for the cake!
🧒 Do children in Spain write letters to the Three Kings?
Yes – much like letters to Father Christmas, children write to Los Reyes Magos telling them how they’ve behaved and what gifts they would like. Many towns even set up special “Royal Post Offices” where children can hand-deliver their letters to royal helpers in the days before the parade.
🌍 How is the celebration different across Spain?
While the Cabalgata is a national tradition, every region adds its own flair. Coastal areas like the Costa del Sol often feature the Kings arriving by boat, while mountain villages might have them ride donkeys or camels. Big cities such as Madrid and Seville host huge televised parades, whereas smaller towns focus on local music, sweets and community gatherings.
