On my first day of school, I was given an itinerary for the week’s events, including a notice that Friday was a holiday. I was not aware that there was a holiday, so I was excited to get one of my first culture lessons! In Spain, Catholicism is the prominent religion as compared to protestant America. They celebrate el Dia de los Reyes, who are the three kings that brought gifts to El Niño Dios (Baby Jesus). Because it is highly unlikely that the kings actually arrived on Christmas night, this day marks the day of their arrival. The planned event from the school was to attend the parade (Cabalgata) of the Three Wise Men (Los Reyes Magos) that goes right through town and ends in the town center in front of town hall. So we met at the school, and began our journey to the parade. I was amazed because the streets were empty around the school, but after turning the corner, you had to stick together tight as a group because there were so many people! I have never seen so many people gather for a parade in person (only on TV for the Macy’s Parade). So we navigated to the town center and stood on a little hill by a statue to see over the sea of people. I thought we were early, who knows how long these people waited! Since we were at the end of the parade, it was a long time until it began for us. But when it did, it came with a bang! I was expecting a very traditional parade with no major floats, but I was mistaken greatly. They had some of the biggest floats I have ever seen, massive balloons that they flew over into the crowd and everyone could touch it, there were so many floats throwing candy to kids (and one to my head) and foam soccer balls, and so much noise! There were acrobatic stunts in the parade, people walking on a giant ball, and giant sea monster balloons! People were waving from the front row all the way up to the top floors of some hotels. But what was neat was when the first marching band came. There was a band that would play music, dressed in blue, and they were introducing the arrival of the first wise man. Then he came on beautifully designed, yet so simple of a float, and it was like the American version of Santa at the end of the parade. Yet, he was only the first Rey Mago to arrive. After that, a second came through. But the last one, Baltazar, was chanted throughout the city because once the final Rey Mago came, the gifts would have all arrived. He came in with loud trumpet sounds, and people cheered with such magnitude for Baltazar. It was a beautiful ending to a parade that tells a beautiful story. This celebration marked the end of their holiday/ Christmas season. Throughout the entire week, I had seen people ice skating, live Christmas music in the streets, lights, and decorations all around. But now that La Cabalgata de Reyes Magos has passed, the people of Valencia were truly ready to begin their year. This was a special surprise as a tourist to have seen a real part of their culture take place live.
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