In Spain, Christmas continues onto the Epiphany with Three Kings day on 6 January and Cabalgata parades around town. Discover everything there is to know about Los Reyes Magos celebrations in Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís and Costa del Sol.
King’s Day, the Día de los Reyes Magos, is one of the most eagerly anticipated moments of Spain’s festive season. While much of the world celebrates Christmas on 25 December, Spain continues to celebrate into early January, with the arrival of the Three Wise Men and lively Cabalgata parades.
Like everywhere in Spain, the coast comes alive on 5 January with King’s parades, known locally as Los Cabalgatas de Los Reyes, celebrating the arrival and holiday parades across Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís, Mijas, along with every single town across the nation.
From maritime arrivals and open-top car processions to lively parades and deeply rooted family traditions, the region offers one of Spain’s most atmospheric and memorable celebrations, typical of the celebratory nature of this wonderful part of the world.
Below is a full overview of the 2026 Kings’ celebrations in Marbella and the Costa del Sol, including history, events, times, and unique Marbella traditions. Read our complete guide to Christmas in Marbella for details of markets, parties, and other events throughout the holiday season.
The tradition of the Día de los Reyes Magos, has deep roots in Spanish culture, dating back to the Middle Ages. This enchanting celebration marks the biblical journey of the Magi, or Wise Men, who travelled from the East to bring gifts to the newborn Jesus. Over time, this religious story has evolved into a cherished cultural festivity, complete with imaginative parades and family gatherings.
The celebration derives from the Nativity story, following the stunningly bright star that led the Kings to the stable where baby Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Known in their full name as sus Majestades los Reyes Magos de Oriente (the majesties of Oriental Magic Kings), Melchor, Gaspar and Baltazar were said to bear gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, representing royalty, divinity and sacrifice. Part of the biblical story, these gifts are thought to have shown respect to Jesus, foreshadowing his divinity and importance to the religion.
Meaning to show or reveal, the Epiphany is celebrated as the revelation of Jesus’ birth and religious significance in the Christian tradition: the manifestation of God in human form, and the ultimate sacrifice and forgiveness for human sin. Over centuries, this observance expanded from a religious ritual into one of Spain’s most significant cultural holidays, equivalent to what much of the world celebrates as Christmas Eve or morning, with the giving of gifts and a special family meal.
Across Spain, the Cabalgata de Reyes on 5 January is one of the most anticipated local events of the year. Floats, performers and musicians fill the streets with parades throughout the town as the Kings, and their lucky local helpers, throw sweets and small gifts to the crowds that follow the parade through the streets. Children bring bags to collect treats, and families gather early for the best viewing spots. Accompanied by hundreds of participants in colourful costumes, the Cabalgata is most Spanish kids’ favourite day and a joyful celebration for all.
Another Spanish twist on Christmas is the delicious, ring-shaped brioche cake, decorated with candied fruit, known as the Roscón de Reyes. Central to the King’s morning, these can be bought around supermarkets and cake shops around Spain in the last weeks of the year. You can choose between plain, cream, custard, chocolate, truffle or some other delicious combination of fillings (relleños).
The roscón contains two little surprises hidden within it, each marking a fun little message to the person who receives that piece. Firstly, a figurine, marking the finder “King” or “Queen” for the day and signifying a lucky year ahead. Secondly, a bean, signifying that the finder buys next year’s roscon. Families often enjoy it with hot chocolate after opening gifts on the morning of 6 January, but many enjoy it for breakfast throughout the only weeks of the year when this delicacy is available.
In recognition of the religious story of the Kings gifts to Jesus, Spanish children traditionally receive their main Christmas gifts on 6 January from the Kings. Just like many families leave cookies and milk out for Santa Claus, they usually leave small treats for the Kings and their camels the night before. Traditionally, they also leave their shoes out by the front door, window or Christmas tree for the Kings to fill with presents.
Nowadays, the Spanish also often receive gifts from Santa on Christmas Eve (or Christmas Day), which is more practical for children to enjoy the holidays before returning to school on 7 January. But the big celebration for Spanish families remains on the morning of 6 January, where loved ones come together to share a roscón and gifts for children and adults alike.
Like letters to Santa in other countries, Spanish children write to the Three Kings to know what their wishlists are that year, so that they can be delivered to the official postman of the Kings, El Cartero Real. From late December, children can visit the Casa del Cartero Real, the Royal Postman’s house, to deliver their gift wishlists to the Three Kings ahead of time.
In Marbella, they can find the Real Postman appears around commercial centres, including Spain’s biggest department stores El Corte Ingles. However, his official home is La Casa del Cartero Real, located in the Parque de la Alameda after Christmas, between Marbella’s old town centre and the Paseo Maritimo. Here, children hand in letters, meet ‘royal helpers’ and soak up the festive atmosphere and excitement surrounding.
You can visit the house of the Real Postman in Parque Alameda from 26 December 2025 to 5 January 2026 (except 1 January), afternoons 17.00 – 20.30 until 4 January, mornings 11.00 am – 1.30 pm from 27 December. Another fun festive tradition for local families in Marbella, that you may as well combine wandering around in the evening to see festive lights, or exploring La Fabrica de los Elfos markets in Avenida al Mar plaza, walking down to the sea.
In Estepona, children can deliver their letters to the Royal Postman on 3 January, between 17.00 and 20.00, in Plaza Antonia Guerrero.
On the afternoon of 4 January, the Three Kings arrive by boat at Marbella’s Puerto Deportivo at 12 noon. They are welcomed by the Mayor, who gives them the keys to the city. The Kings are escorted through the old town to the Town Hall by their ‘Royal Guards’, usually in vintage cars to la Plaza de la Iglesia, before they spend the night at Marbella Castle, ready for the next day’s parade. A charming, smaller-scale event that builds anticipation for the main parade.
Later that day, they arrive at Puerto Banus by boat at 4.00 pm, and parade through Nueva Andalucía until reaching the Hard Rock Café, where children can meet them and deliver their letters in person.
The big event is the Cabalgata de Reyes on 5 January, when the Three Kings parade through Marbella on elaborate floats accompanied by Marbella municipal band. The main Cabalgata begins at 6.00 pm near Pirulí and travels along Avenida Ricardo Soriano and Ramón y Cajal, showering the crowds with sweets before concluding in Avenida Severo Ochoa. It is Marbella’s most elaborate parade, featuring large floats, dance groups, music schools and costumed performers, with thousands of sweets thrown to the crowds.
Earlier that day, the local area of Nueva Andalucía hosts their smaller Cabalgata at 12 noon on 5 January at Nuevo Espacio Polivalente. Also accompanied by the Marbella Musical Group, the parade passes through Calle Alvaro de la Iglesia, Torrente Ballester, Lope de Vega, Avenida de Miguel Cervantes & Quevedo before returning to the start point, where children can meet the Kings and deliver their wishlists.
The smaller centre of Elviria in Marbella East celebrates its own Cabalgata events starting from 4.00 on 4 January in the El Pinar parking space near the big roundabout all locals know. The festivities start with a visit from the Real Postman, jumping castles and free churros with chocolate, and children’s entertainment. When the kings arrive, children line up to meet them, deliver letters, take photos and receive little gifts. From around 6 pm, the King’s parade through the streets on floats to Avenida de los Cumbres, meaning the entire municipality comes alive with colour, music, and excitement.
Children bring bags to collect sweets thrown from the floats, and the whole town gets swept up in the noise, excitement and colour. Although chaotic at times, it is extremely festive and charming. Children can register to mount the floats and parade through the crowds in the relevant town hall offices.
Estepona hosts another of the coast’s most lively Cabalgatas, distributing over 15,000 kg of sweets. Estepona Kings’ activities start with delivering their letters to the Cartero Reale at Plaza Antonia Guerrero between 17.00 and 20.00 on 3 January. Festivities continue on 5 January with a children’s party at the Recinto Ferial, starting at 11.30.
The main Cabalgata Kings parade in Estetpona departs from Avenida Juan Carlos I at 17.00, passing through the town centre and concluding in Plaza Antonia Guerrero near the marina. In 2026, the details of the Estepona Cabalgata are as follows:
Date: 5 January 2026
Estimated start: 17:00–20:00
Route: Avenida Juan Carlos I → town centre → Paseo Marítimo
Estepona’s parade is known for its warm, family-focused atmosphere. The floats move through the heart of the town, often ending by the marina. With thousands of sweets, local performers and an enthusiastic crowd, Estepona’s event has become one of the Costa del Sol’s most popular. View the Estepona town hall calendar for details of upcoming events.
Up in the mountains, Benahavís also celebrates the arrival of the Reyes Magos with a full day of family-friendly activities, followed by a traditional royal procession through the village. While the final programme is usually confirmed only a few days in advance, the format tends to follow a familiar and well-loved pattern.
In early January, the festivities typically begin with a children’s party during the daytime on 4 January, last year held at the Practice Tee / sports area between 12.00 to 18.00. The focus is firmly on families, with inflatable castles, games and organised activities keeping younger children entertained throughout the afternoon.
Later in the day, attention shifts to the arrival of the Three Kings, which in 2025 took place at the football pitch at approximately 17.30. In Benahavís, the Kings often make a memorable entrance, in recent years arriving in classic cars, before greeting families and children.
Following their arrival, the celebration continues with a Royal Cavalcade, as the Three Kings travel through the streets of Benahavís accompanied by parades, live music and festive performers. The village’s narrow streets and central square create an intimate, lively atmosphere, making this one of the most charming Three Kings celebrations on the Costa del Sol.
As dates and timings are usually published very close to the event, visitors planning to attend are advised to check the official Benahavís Town Hall news or social channels around 2 January for the confirmed 2026 programme, routes and any last-minute updates.
Spread across three main town hall areas, Mijas holds three separate Cabalgata parades and King’s Days events also take place on 5 January:
* Mijas Pueblo: 16.30 (whitewashed streets in the mountains)
* La Cala de Mijas: 17.00 (a coastal version)
* Las Lagunas: 17.30 (larger crowds in the central Fuengirola area)
In past years, Mijas have been known to distribute over 8,000 kg of sweets across the municipality. Like many towns in Spain, details of events are usually shared in the days before it, so check the Mijas town hall news around 2 January for accurate date details of 2026 King’s Day events.
* Arrive early to enjoy the concerts and meet the Kings
* Bring bags to store the sweets
* Stay behind safety barriers, and don’t get too close to floats
* Park nearby and walk in, since central roads close early. For Marbella’s Cabalgata, a good place to park is Calle Jacinto Benavente, or Avenida del Mar parking.
* In Marbella, the Pirulí–Old Town stretch fills up first
* Local events in Nueva Andalucía are more relaxed
* A national holiday, almost all shops close except in central tourist zones
* Restaurants remain open
* Expect busier lunchtime traffic as families gather
* Everything opens as normal and Christmas lights are off from 7 January
Spain’s main gift-giving celebration of the Christmas holiday season is on 6 January, marking the arrival of the Magi, three wise men. It’s bigger than 24 or 25 December here.
Because Epiphany has been a spiritual celebration central to Spanish tradition for centuries, Santa is a more modern import.
Spanish towns celebrate the coming of the Kings with parties, concerts and events, and then Cabalgata parades on 5 January, where the Kings tour towns’ main streets on a convoy of floats, throwing lollies and gifts to the crowds.
Finally, children leave snacks for the three kings and their camels out on 5 January, as well as their shoes for the kings to fill with candy and gifts. So the Kings bring presents to children overnight, and gifts are exchanged over family gatherings and meals, including the roscon del reyes on 6 January morning.
* Marbella main parade: 18.00 on 5 January
* Nueva Andalucía: 12.00 on 5 January
* Elviria: 18.00 on 4 January
* Estepona: Late afternoon to early evening on 5 January
* Mijas 5 January: 16.30–17.30, depending on the district#
Marbella and the Costa del Sol are easy to get around, so if you have a car you can stay in any property around the Costa del Sol and park near the centre. Alternatively, if you want to see the parades walking, you should stay within the main town centres to effortlessly enjoy the festive feel.
With multiple maritime arrivals, district-specific parades, and one of Spain’s warmest community atmospheres, the Costa del Sol offers an unforgettable celebration of Three Kings Day. Whether enjoying Marbella’s dramatic boat arrivals, Estepona’s bustling town centre celebrations, or the charm of Mijas and Benahavís, the region comes alive with colour, light, and tradition.
For newcomers, residents and families visiting for the festive season, Three Kings Day remains one of the most meaningful and joyful expressions of Andalusian culture. Contact MPDunne estate agents for guidance on buying, selling or renting properties around the Marbella Costa del Sol area.
Melinda Rendina Content Writer & Marketing Creator
Melinda is an experienced writer specialising in real estate, urban planning, lifestyle, architecture and design. A seasoned Marbella resident, she holds an Undergraduate Degree in Social Science with Honours in Politics, and a Masters degree in Urban Planning.
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