On this day it is celebrated that three wise men saw a star rising and this was a sign for them; they went in search of the King of the Jews, Jesus. They followed the star, for only through it could they find the way that would lead them to Jesus. They eventually found him in a stable in Bethlehem, and later the three wise men were referred to as the kings in a biblical text.
Just like in the netherlands we saw in december lights and decorations everywhere in Ibiza. This is because of Christmas and New Year's Eve, but in Spain also because of Epiphany. In December, the children start writing a letter for the three kings Gaspar, Melchor and Baltasar, in which they mainly tell what they would like for present(s) on this holiday. On January 5, the three kings arrive and then it is really party time. Just like us during Sinterklaas, everyone in Spain also heads to the center for the parade in the evening on January 5th. It is striking that not only beautiful cars and people dressed up take part in this,we also saw camels walking in the procession and one of the floats and on camels the three kings passed by who immediately spoiled the childeren with sweets and presents
In the evening the children are finally allowed to put their shoe under the tree and there they also lay sweet treats for Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. They add some water or food for the camels. At night it is difficult for the children to sleep because they know that when they wake up there will be no sweet treats, water or food for the camels. At night, the three kings visit all the houses to collect them and put presents there! Children who have been naughty in the Netherlands last year have to go in the bag of Sinterklaas. Naughty Spanish children do not receive presents on January 6, but cárbon dulce, sweet charcoal (piece of black-colored sugar).
it is not only time for presents, but also for the traditional Roscón de Reyes. This is a sweet treat in the shape of a kind of turban. The idea is that it is filled with a cream and usually contains candied fruit. This sweet treat contains both a figure and a bean. The person who has the figure in his piece of delicacy is crowned. Can you find the bean? Then you have to pay the 'Roscón de Reyes' the following year. In the days before Epiphany, you can see this sweet delicacy in various sizes and with various fillings in almost every bakery.
