Today is one of the biggest holidays in Barcelona, Epiphany, or El Dio de los Reyes, commerating when the Three Kings gave gifts to Jesus. It is when gifts are also exchanged among families here, and so it was no surprise when it seemed half of Barcelona was at the harbor welcoming the arrival of the three kings, on a three masted schooner, into the harbor. The excitement on even the youngest face was contagious. “Do you see them coming? I think they are on THAT big boat!” one five year old in front of us exclaims to her friend, as a nearly thirty ship flotilla goes by. I even start waving with the crowds to welcome them.
The three kings are in brightly colored robes, full beards wearing shiny crowns. There are a few people walking the crowds dressed in similar fashion. Two days earlier, Siri, Josiah and Samara saw a presentation where the three kings were taking individual kids gift requests. One of our earlier tour guides stated that in her smaller village, all the kids come to the main square and each kid receives their specific gift (provided by the parents earlier) from the three kings. It was special to be here on this important day.
As the sun goes down, more and more families are arriving along the parade route, which will process through the whole city. Several had come prepared bringing their own step stools. We enjoy our Sangria and watch sunset on the beach and then head the opposite direction on the subway as more families and strollers navigate the escalators.
That evening we play our traditional hand and foot game, talk about our last three weeks of travel and prepare to leave. Siri and David had gone out to purchase food and came back with the traditional king’s cake. Stores were open, especially jewelry, bread and lottery stores. Everyone getting their last gifts. We tried out the cake and David won the prize and wore his crown proudly.
Yesterday, while enjoying tapas and cava, we noticed this image of a woman with seven feet. Our waiter explained that this was ‘Vella Quaresma” or Old Lady Lent, a tradition he celebrated growing up and he said it has now been replaced with the American Halloween. He talked about that after each leg would be cut off, you would receive candy and cookies. He then mentioned also celebrating Tìo de Nadal, which we had found in the zoo a few days earlier, which also involves getting candies and chocolates after hitting the large log with sticks. He sort of apologized for these traditions, which from the outside seemed a bit strange and different to us. It always makes me wonder what traditions and rituals we have, and is a good idea to look at them again.
I think any ritual that involves candies, chocolates and gifts, is one that any kid will want to continue.
Siri and David Adventures 