Kings on swallows and shows with acrobatic bikes: this is what the parade in Barcelona will be like

BarcelonaBarcelona is all set for the Three Kings' Parade. Page Gregori is already in the Catalan capital finalizing the last details of a parade that will include a few surprises. For starters, it will maintain its route from recent years. Despite the reopening of Via Laietana after three years of construction, the procession will once again pass along Avinguda del Paral·lel and Ronda de Sant Pau this year. As usual, Their Majesties will arrive at 4:30 p.m. at the Portal de la Paz, although this year they won't be arriving aboard the Santa Eulàlia schooner. Instead, in a nod to the city's history, they will arrive on the traditional swallows. Once ashore, they will be greeted by the mayor, Jaume Collboni, who will present them with bread, salt, and the keys to the city so they can enter every house. This will be the prelude to a parade that will begin at 6:00 PM from Marquès de l'Argentera Avenue. From there, it will proceed along Passeig Colom and Paral·lel Avenue, turning onto Ronda Sant Pau and Carrer Urgell, then onto Carrer Sepúlveda, ending at Plaça d'Espanya and from there at the Montjuïc Fountains, the final point of the route. The entire event will last approximately three hours.

The procession, stretching over a kilometer, will feature the Three Wise Men and more than 1,300 people accompanying them, including dancers, actors, stilt walkers, volunteers, and technical staff. They will be divided into eleven large sections, which will include the usual floats—such as the pacifier float, the postmen's float, and the coal float—as well as some new additions. Among these is the revamped toy float, a platform filled with games and topped with a fantastic little wooden train designed by set designer Ramon de los Heros, accompanied by a choreography by Som-hi Dansa. King Balthazar will also debut a new float. His new vehicle, inspired by African music, will be presided over by a djembe A giant percussion instrument will also feature prominently in the live music accompanying the parade. Balthazar's entourage will also include other characters making their debut in the Barcelona parade, such as three giant puppets shaped like elephants and giraffes.

Bicycle takes center stage

This year, Barcelona's parade will also include a segment to pay tribute to one of the events the city will experience in 2026: the start of the Tour de France. Under the slogan Barcelona and the Tour: a good tandem, A new section featuring bicycles will be added to the parade. The traditional procession of Dreams—which encourages children to go to bed early—will be inspired by these two-wheeled vehicles, often one of children's biggest wishes at this time of year. In addition to the float, bicycles will also be central to the choreography, with 12 BMX riders performing an innovative show.

As has become customary in recent years, the parade will conclude with the coal and candy procession. Up to seven tons of candy will be distributed among all those attending the parade, which is expected to be marked by low temperatures. Despite hopes that the rain will hold off, page Gregori explained that the Three Kings are prepared to parade in the rain as long as it is "reasonable," as they did just two years ago.