Church festivals & traditions
Three Kings: 5 January in Mallorca
Last checked: October 2026
On the evening of 5 January, at around 18:00, the Three Kings arrive at the Moll Vell and parade through Palma.
The short answer
What is the Three Kings celebration?
On 5 January, the Three Kings come to Palma – not by land but by ship: at around 18:00, a historic sailing ship docks in the Moll Vell harbour. Afterwards, the Cabalgata de Reyes Magos (Three Kings parade) with more than 20 floats makes its way along Avinguda d'Antoni Maura, Passeig del Born and Carrer Unió to the Plaça de Cort. In Spain, it is the Kings who bring the Christmas presents.
Fixed date January
Quick Facts
- When
- 5 January, arrival at around 18:00
- Where
- Moll Vell and the old town, Palma – smaller parades in Alcúdia and Port de Sóller
- Duration
- Arrival and parade around two hours
- Admission
- free
- Who it's for
- Families with children
- What makes it special
- Arrival by sailing ship instead of by carriage
- Date rule
- Fixed date 5 January; 6 January is a public holiday.
- Public holiday
- yes, public holiday
Note on accuracy
This information is updated before each season, in particular the arrival time, parade route and programme details.
Location: Moll Vell and the old town, Palma – smaller parades in Alcúdia and Port de Sóller.
What is the Cabalgata de Reyes Magos?
In Spain, it is not Father Christmas but the Three Kings who bring the presents – on the night of 5 to 6 January. The evening before belongs to the festive parade, the Cabalgata.
Palma stages the arrival by sea: Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar come into the harbour by ship, are welcomed by the mayor and then parade through the city with their entourage.
What happens in Palma
At around 18:00, the historic sailing ship docks at the Moll Vell. Then the procession sets off: more than 20 floats, groups of performers, bands and tonnes of sweets thrown into the crowd.
The route runs along Avinguda d'Antoni Maura, Passeig del Born and Carrer Unió to the Plaça de Cort in front of the town hall, where the Kings greet the children.
Best spots for families
At the harbour you see the arrival; along Avinguda d'Antoni Maura and on the Born you see the parade with the most space. Children can catch plenty of sweets there without being caught in the crush. You should get into position from late afternoon.
- Moll Vell: arrival of the ship, very crowded
- Passeig del Born: wide avenue, good view, plenty of room for pushchairs
- Plaça de Cort: end of the procession, later time
Other places on the island
Alcúdia, Port de Sóller, Port d'Andratx and many villages also hold their own arrivals and parades – smaller, but often more pleasant for families than Palma. In the harbour towns, the Kings also arrive by boat.
Tips for your visit
- Warm clothing: it is a January evening by the water.
- Come by bus or on foot; the roads into the old town are closed.
- Do not let children get too close to the floats; the sweets fly a long way.
- 6 January is a public holiday – shops and supermarkets stay closed.
Who is it worth it for?
A good fit for:
- Families with children
- Winter travellers
- Anyone who wants to experience Spanish Christmas customs
Less suited to:
- Anyone who avoids crowds
- Night owls – the evening ends early
Similar dates
More church festivals & traditions
-
Easter in Mallorca
For a week, brotherhoods walk through the old towns with candles before trumpets and flowers herald the spring on Easter Sunday.
-
Semana Santa Mallorca
Seven days, seven different scenes: from the blessing of the palms on Sunday morning to the meeting of the figures on Easter morning.
-
Good Friday in Mallorca
A quiet holiday during the day with shops closed, processions in the evening.
-
Devallament Pollença
Descent from the Cross at the Calvari, followed by a torchlight procession down the steps.
-
Easter processions in Palma
On Maundy Thursday, 33 brotherhoods with 45 pasos process through the old town to the cathedral.
-
Pancaritats
On the Sunday after Easter, many Mallorcans head out into the countryside for a picnic – in Palma with music and dancing at the Diumenge de l'Àngel.
-
Assumption of Mary
In around 50 churches, a life-size figure of the Virgin Mary lies on a Baroque bed of flowers, basil and carved straw for 15 August.
-
Virgen del Carme
Dozens of decorated fishing boats accompany the statue of the Virgin out to the open sea, while hooting horns and brass bands fill the harbour.
-
Mare de Déu de la Salut
During the flower offering, the façade of the church of Sant Miquel is decorated with flowers – a festival of the city.
-
Cant de la Sibil·la
A young soloist in a white robe raises a sword and sings a cappella about the Last Judgement – UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2010.
-
Corpus Christi
Flower petals form a sacred pattern on the paving – before the procession passes over it.
-
Cossiers
Six dancers, a lady and a devil: a traditional dance for the village festival.
-
Festa de l'Estendard
For centuries, on the last day of the year, the royal standard is raised on the Plaça de Cort.
-
Festa de la Patrona Pollença
On 2 August, Pollença celebrates its patron saint – a festival between patronal Mass and historical remembrance.
-
Rosaris Ensucrats
A rosary of sugared beads that godchildren receive as a gift at the beginning of November – sweet, colourful and almost forgotten.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Three Kings arrive in Palma?
On 5 January at around 18:00 in the Moll Vell harbour. The city announces the exact time each year.
Where is the best spot with children?
On the Passeig del Born or along Avinguda d'Antoni Maura: good view, more space and plenty of room for collecting sweets.
Does this also happen outside Palma?
Yes, in Alcúdia, Port de Sóller and Port d'Andratx, among other places – there the Kings also arrive by boat, but with far fewer spectators.
Is 6 January a public holiday in Mallorca?
Yes, Epiphany (Three Kings' Day) is a public holiday. Shops, banks and public offices stay closed.
Next steps
This page belongs to the topic area Church festivals & traditions and can be found at /en-gb/heilige-drei-koenige-mallorca.