Betancuria Three Kings Day Parade,Betancuria,Fuerteventura

Betancuria Three Kings Day Parade takes place on January 5th at 17:00 at Plaza de Santa Maria,Betancuria,Fuerteventura

Festivities begin on January 5th on the eve of Día de los Reyes Magos (Three Kings Day, January 6th), referred to as ‘Spain’s Second Christmas’. According to tradition, the three kings Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar, from Europe, Arabia, and Africa followed a star for 12 days until they came to Bethlehem. Bringing with them gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myhrr.

In the evening children across Fuerteventura line up their shoes by the door, along with food to feed the camels. When morning arrives, children discover presents and sweets, and if they have misbehaved, lumps of coal. Locals typically share a Roscón de Reyes (King’s Bread) to mark the event, a sweet dough in the shape of a crown, and embellished with candied fruits, sugar, and sweets.

Betancuria Three Kings Day Parade is located in Betancuria, Fuerteventura.

Betancuria is the old capital of the island which in the past was governed from there. Hidden in a valley to prevent pirate attacks from the African continent this picturesque colonial town offers a glimpse into Fuerteventura’s past.

Betancuria was founded in 1404 during the conquest led by the Norman, Jean de Béthencourt.