How Three Kings are adapting to modern life 04/01/2007 00:00

4 January 2007

MADRID — The traditional arrival of the Three Kings on Friday has adapted to the 21st Century with some bringing presents by helicopter, on skis, by boat or by train.

As millions of children wait impatiently across Spain for their presents to arrive on 6 January, the Cabalgata procession the night before is changing.

Los Reyes Magos, or Three Kings, as the procession through town squares is called, now involves the kings coming by land, sea or even air.

Some have even taken to riding camels to add that air of authenticity.

The most traditional cabalgata in Spain is held in Alcoy, near Alicante, but that has only been underway for 122 years.

It involves more than 1,000 pages, torch bearers, drummers, dancers, trumpeters, who escort the Kings, who bring Jesus gold, frankincense and myrrh.

In contrast, in La Rioja in northern Spain, meanwhile the Kings arrive by helicopter in the middle of a sports stadium.

[Copyright EFE with Expatica]

Subject: Spanish news