The Three Kings Parade is always one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the Christmas season in cities such as Barcelona, where the celebrations to welcome Their Majesties are truly captivating. Every year, thousands of families take to the streets to follow the procession of floats, enjoy the music and festive lighting, and experience an afternoon filled with magic and excitement. Here is everything you need to know about the Three Kings Parade in Barcelona in 2026.
- Three Kings Parade in Barcelona 2026: date and times
- Route of the Three Kings Parade in Barcelona 2026
- The Factory of the Three Kings of the East at Fabra i Coats
- Registration and how to take part in the Barcelona Three Kings Parade 2026
- Practical information for visitors and tourists
- Best places to watch the Three Kings Parade in Barcelona
- Understanding the Three Kings tradition in Spain
- Accessibility and family-friendly information
- Three Kings Parades in Barcelona neighbourhoods
- Barcelona at Christmas
Three Kings Parade in Barcelona 2026: date and times
The main day of the celebrations will be, as always, Monday 5 January, when the Three Kings arrive in Barcelona. The day will begin at 4.30 pm with the most symbolic moment: the arrival of Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar at the Portal de la Pau aboard the historic schooner Santa Eulàlia.
There they will be welcomed by the city’s mayor, who will offer them bread and salt as a traditional gesture of hospitality and present them with the magical key that opens all the homes in Barcelona. After their arrival, the parade will officially begin at 6.00 pm. For more than three hours, the royal entourage will make its way through the city.
The Three Kings will be accompanied by troupes, dancers, floats and live music. In keeping with Barcelona tradition, the procession will be led by the iconic Page Gregori, whose role is to oversee the behaviour of children throughout the year.
- Arrival of the Three Kings by schooner: 4.30 pm at Portal de la Pau
- Start of the Barcelona Three Kings Parade: 6.00 pm from Ciutadella Park
Route of the Three Kings Parade in Barcelona 2026
The route of the parade, already confirmed by the City Council, follows the same layout as in previous years, running from Ciutat Vella to Montjuïc. Spectators will be able to line the entire route, with no capacity limits, and reserved areas will be available for people with disabilities. These are the main points and approximate times:
- 6.00 pm – Departure from Ciutadella Park
- 6.35 pm – Passeig de Colom at Via Laietana
- 6.55 pm – Columbus Monument
- 7.10 pm – Portal de Santa Madrona
- 7.30 pm – Avinguda Paral·lel at Ronda de Sant Pau
- 7.45 pm – Sant Antoni Market
- 8.10 pm – Sepúlveda at Comte Borrell
- 8.30 pm – Sepúlveda at Entença
- 8.50 pm – Plaça d’Espanya and Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina
- 9.10 pm – Finish at Avinguda Francesc Ferrer i Guàrdia
The Factory of the Three Kings of the East at Fabra i Coats
Before the parade, one of the must-do family plans is a visit to the Three Kings’ Factory at Fabra i Coats, in the Sant Andreu district. Every Christmas, this space is transformed into a bustling workshop where visitors can see the royal helpers at work preparing toys.
It is an immersive experience that delights children and offers a closer look at the magical workings of the Three Kings’ world. Admission is free, although advance booking is required due to high demand.
Visits will be available from 27 December to 4 January (except 31 December and 1 January), with entry slots every 20 minutes. There is also a specific booking system for people with disabilities, including adaptations such as sign language, audio description and quiet spaces.
Registration and how to take part in the Barcelona Three Kings Parade 2026
One of the unique features of the Barcelona parade is that residents can take part in the procession itself. Each year, a registration process opens for volunteers and performers to join the different troupes and floats.
Applications are submitted via the registration form on the City Council’s website and, if demand exceeds the number of available places, a draw is held. The organisation provides costumes and prior training. The roles vary by age group:
- Children aged 8 to 10 can take part as young dancing pages.
- Children aged 11 to 13 act as welcoming pages.
- Teenagers aged 14 to 17 help with assistance tasks within the entourage.
- Adults participate as technical or support staff, pushing structures and helping maintain order in the parade.
Practical information for visitors and tourists
For many international visitors, the Three Kings Parade is unlike any other Christmas event. It is one of the busiest afternoons of the year in Barcelona, so a little planning goes a long way.
It is advisable to arrive well in advance, especially if you want to watch the parade from popular areas such as Plaça d’Espanya, Passeig de Colom or Avinguda Paral·lel. Streets start filling up from mid-afternoon and the best spots can be taken more than an hour before the parade begins.
Due to road closures along the route, public transport is the most efficient way to get around on 5 January. The metro usually operates with reinforced services, although some stations near the parade may close temporarily for safety reasons. Walking between nearby locations is often faster than using taxis or buses.
Even though winters in Barcelona are generally mild, evenings in early January can feel cold, particularly for children. Wearing warm layers and comfortable shoes is advisable. Bringing water and small snacks is also useful, as some shops close earlier than usual on Three Kings’ Eve.
Best places to watch the Three Kings Parade in Barcelona
Choosing the right viewing area can make a big difference, especially for visitors unfamiliar with the city.
- Ciutadella Park, where the parade begins, is a good option for families with young children, as it tends to be less crowded at the start.
- Passeig de Colom offers wide pavements and good visibility, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.
- Plaça d’Espanya and Avinguda Reina Maria Cristina are among the most visually striking sections of the route, with iconic surroundings and lighting, although they are also the busiest.
Visitors looking for a calmer experience may prefer watching the parade slightly away from the city centre or attending one of the neighbourhood parades.
Understanding the Three Kings tradition in Spain
For international visitors, the Three Kings Parade is an essential part of Spanish Christmas culture. In Spain, the Three Kings bring presents, not Father Christmas, and gifts are traditionally opened on the morning of 6 January.
In the days leading up to the parade, children write letters to Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar and often leave their shoes out at home on the night of 5 January. The parade represents the arrival of the Kings in the city and is one of the most important family celebrations of the festive season.
Accessibility and family-friendly information
Barcelona’s Three Kings Parade is designed to be inclusive and family-oriented. Along the main route, reserved viewing areas are provided for people with reduced mobility, usually requiring advance booking.
Pushchairs are allowed, although very crowded areas can be difficult to navigate. Families travelling with small children may find neighbourhood parades more relaxed and easier to enjoy.
In addition, the Three Kings’ Factory at Fabra i Coats offers adapted visits, including sign language, audio description and quiet spaces, making it suitable for visitors with different accessibility needs.
Three Kings Parades in Barcelona neighbourhoods
In addition to the main parade, many Barcelona neighbourhoods organise their own local processions and welcomes for Their Majesties. These complementary events allow children to hand in their letters without travelling far and offer a more local, community-focused experience. Some of the most notable include:
- Royal Postwomen of Gràcia: from Gran de Gràcia Street to Plaça de la Vila, starting at 5.30 pm.
- Sants – Les Corts: from Plaça de Comas to the Can Mantega Gardens, starting at 6.00 pm.
- Sarrià: from Santa Dorotea Street to Margenat Street, starting at 6.30 pm.
- Nou Barris: from Via Favència to Avinguda Meridiana, from 7.00 pm onwards.
- Sant Martí, La Verneda and El Besòs: from the Fòrum to the Sant Martí Civic Centre, from 5.00 pm onwards.
- Sant Andreu and La Sagrera: from Plaça Orfila to Plaça de Masadas, starting at 6.00 pm.
- Poblenou: starting from Can Saladrigas, following a route through streets such as Pere IV, La Llacuna and Rambla del Poblenou, before returning to the starting point. It begins at 6.00 pm.
Barcelona at Christmas
In the weeks leading up to the arrival of the Three Kings, the city is filled with lights, fairs, nativity scenes, markets and cultural events. If you are wondering what to do in Barcelona at Christmas, you will find attractions such as the Fira de Santa Llúcia, festive lighting along Gran Via and Carrer d’Aragó, and family-friendly activities for all tastes. You can also discover more about the city through its property market.
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