Three Kings — Los Reyes Magos in Mallorca
5 - 6 January 2026
On Mallorca, Christmas magic peaks not on 25 December but on 5–6 January, when Melchior, Gaspar and Balthasar arrive to greet thousands of families. The celebrations mix seaside pageantry with sweet traditions you can taste—literally.
The big night: 5 January (Cabalgata de Reyes)
All over the island, towns host cabalgatas (parades) on the evening of the 5th. The largest is in Palma, where the Kings traditionally arrive by boat at Moll Vell around 18:00—often aboard the historic schooner Rafael Verdera—receive the key to the city, and lead a procession through the old town to Plaça de Cort. Expect dozens of floats, troupes, music, and an avalanche of sweets.
Beyond Palma, every corner of Mallorca gets a visit. Schedules typically include:
Alcúdia: arrival by sea at the port, then procession to the medieval town centre for a nativity homage.
Inca, Manacor, Marratxí, and more: late-afternoon starts with local routes through each centre.
Sóller & Port de Sóller: arrivals and parades in both the port and town, a beloved tradition in the valley.
Epiphany day: 6 January (Día de Reyes)
The morning brings family gift-opening and church services, followed by long lunches and the island’s star dessert: roscón de reyes, a brioche ring topped with candied fruit and often filled with cream. Hidden inside are a figurine (you’re “king/queen” for the day) and a bean (find it and you buy next year’s cake!).
What to expect on the streets
Sea landings & keys: Mallorca leans into its maritime soul—arrivals by boat are common, especially in Palma and Alcúdia. In Palma, the Kings are ceremonially given the city key so they can deliver gifts overnight.
Island-wide participation: From tiny inland villages to resort towns, hundreds of local volunteers fill the roles of royal pages, musicians and dancers. Year to year you’ll see more than a dozen floats and thousands of kilos of candy in Palma alone, with even gluten-free sweets appearing in recent editions.
Planning your trip (practical tips)
Arrive early: Prime spots—Born, Unió, Jaume III, Plaça de Cort—fill well before 18:00.
Check local listings: On the 4–5 January for exact times or route changes due to weather or roadworks; island media publish town-by-town schedules and Palma’s official map each year.
Transport & closures: Central streets close from early afternoon in Palma on parade day; plan to walk or use public transport and expect diversions.
With kids: Bring a small bag for sweets, ear protection if sensitive to drums, and a marker for last-minute letters—children hand wish-lists to the Kings or their pages during the parade.
Food tradition: Reserve your roscón in advance at bakeries; they sell out on the 5th.
Where to watch (Our top picks)
Palma, Moll Vell to Plaça de Cort: the quintessential experience—boat arrival backdropped by the cathedral, then the golden glow of the Born.
Port de Sóller: a harbour landing framed by tram tracks and mountains; charming and intimate.
Alcúdia : seafront arrival followed by a nativity at a medieval gate—Mallorca’s history on full display.
Why it matters
Los Reyes Magos preserve Spain’s gift-giving heart of Christmas while keeping community, craft, and hospitality centre-stage. In Mallorca, that spirit is amplified by seaside settings, stone-walled old towns, and the islanders’ knack for turning tradition into spectacle.