The Three Kings in Tenerife, or Los Reyes Magos, is a celebration that originated in the 4th century and was initially intended to commemorate the birth of the incarnate Son of God on Earth.
The story of the Three Kings is described in the New Testament, where kings from the East follow a star to Bethlehem. Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar travel by night, riding camels to the birthplace of Jesus, where they present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn’s parents.
In Tenerife, the Three Kings provide the perfect occasion to extend the holiday season beyond Christmas and New Year. Los Reyes Magos is the most important holiday of the year for children. Similar to the Dutch Sinterklaas, children write letters, leave their shoes out, and hope for gifts in return. Instead of leaving carrots for a donkey, they put out hay for the camels. Naughty children may receive “black coal” instead of treats.
A National Holiday
This special day, also known as Epifanía del Señor, is a national holiday in Spain. All public services and major stores remain closed on this day.
The evening before the Three Kings’ Day is when the festivities reach their peak with numerous cabalgatas (parades) and processions where the (living) Kings captivate the hearts of children. They traditionally arrive on the island by boat, camel, or helicopter but are at their most majestic on the floats during the parades.
A Celebration for Children
Christmas decorations transform into Three Kings decorations, completing the festive scene that delights children. On the evening of January 5, children place their shoes out and go to bed early. This is the only way for the Kings, much like Sinterklaas, to deliver their gifts.
The house falls silent… so silent that on Three Kings’ Day, children wake up earlier than they would on any school day. According to tradition, they search for their presents and bring them to their parents’ bedroom. Only there can the wrapping paper be torn away, revealing the gifts inside. This ritual unfolds with much joy among parents, who watch their children start the day with happiness and excitement.
The King’s Cake
On Los Reyes Magos, families enjoy the Roscón de Reyes, a round cake adorned with colorful pieces of fruit symbolizing the jewels of the noble attire worn by the Three Kings.
This holiday was added to Spain’s calendar of official holidays in 1885. It is also celebrated in Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, and Venezuela, each with its own cultural twist.
While children in other places delight in Sinterklaas, in Tenerife, the joy of the Three Kings’ Day reaches unparalleled heights as families celebrate the arrival of the Kings at the manger in Bethlehem.
The Three Kings Parade in Los Cristianos
On January 5, the Three Wise Men from the East come to Arona to the delight of all children. The Gran Cabalgata de Sus Majestades los Reyes Magos de Oriente passes through Los Cristianos and has always drawn massive crowds in the past.
The parade begins at 6:30 PM on Avenida Juan Carlos I, near the Comodoro apartment complex, and continues along Avenida Amsterdam. As tradition dictates, the parade ends in front of the Cultural Center of Los Cristianos at Plaza del Pescador, where the traditional collection of children’s letters by the Three Wise Men takes place.
For the children
Sunday, January 5, kicks off at 10:00 AM with the “Three Kings Morning for Children,” held at Plaza del Santísimo Cristo de la Salud and Calle Carmen Pérez Moya, both in Arona.
At 12:00 PM, the local authorities welcome the Three Kings. As in previous years, the children’s letters are collected, and Mayor José Julián Mena hands over the “magic keys” to all the houses in the municipality so the Kings can deliver gifts that evening.
These Three Wise Men crown the island’s festive season. The Three Kings’ Day in Tenerife is a children’s celebration organized in every municipality. Sinterklaas may not be known here, but the Three Kings bring unmatched joy to the children of the Canary Islands.
Unknown © Photography
Three Kings in Tenerife ©
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