Last night I got to witness the celebrations, and parade of the 3 Kings or Cabalgata De Reyes here in Madrid.
By the teeming crowds and absolute bedlam, I think all of Madrid and then some showed up too! I think last years parades pulled in over 500,000; but standing there amongst so many people it certainly felt as though much more were present this year!
It was lovely being able to inhabit the roads leading down to Plaza de Cibeles without the usual multitudes of cars. The people of the city reclaimed the streets for themselves and the celebrations. The sun setting over the Metropolis building was lovely, with the soft glow of the Christmas lights hanging from the trees.
I couldn’t believe the crowds as we got ever nearer though; a sea of people were waiting patiently and without trouble for the night to begin and the arrival of the 3 kings.
The night began with choirs singing out carols in Spanish and English, then came the colourful and lively parade with beautifully decorated floats. It is customary for sweets to be thrown into the crowd, and this year was no exception. Apparently, during the parade 7000 kilos of sweets are thrown into the eagerly awaiting crowds. Many onlookers came prepared with bags and umbrellas to catch the tasty delights.
Here are some photos of evening, along with a couple of the firework display that ended the evening with a bang.
The view to Plaza de Cibeles as dusk falls.
One of the choirs singing beautifully to the masses.
Just a small glimpse of the massive crowd surrounding the area – which covered many, many of the streets.
The first of many parade floats.
Awwww, a Ballerina.
Alice In Wonderland – I saw but couldn’t photograph the wonderful Mad Hatter walking alongside the float. He was Johnny Depp’s replica from the movie!
Angel and the North Star – beautiful acrobatics from a girl attached to, and suspended from a floating balloon of massive proportion! I felt sorry for her in the freezing weather!
One of the 3 Kings
Another crowd shot after the parade ended.
The beginning of the fireworks.
