What to expect
In Spain it is the Three Kings who bring the presents, on the night before 6 January. On the evening before, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar parade not only through Palma but through almost every municipality on the island. Alcúdia in the north has its own cavalcada, smaller and more manageable than the big parade in the capital. For families in the north it is often the more relaxed option: shorter distances, fewer crowds, and the children still get a front-row spot when sweets rain down from the floats.
The evening usually includes the welcome of the kings, the parade with floats, music and helpers, and at the end a moment when children can greet the kings or hand over their wish letters. The cavalcada usually takes place in the late afternoon or early evening. The exact time, starting point and route are only published by the Ajuntament d'Alcúdia shortly beforehand. That is why the dates on this page are marked as unconfirmed until the programme is out.
If you want the big show with the kings arriving by boat, head to Palma: route and times are on our page about the Reyes Magos in Palma. Everything else coming up over the Christmas season, from public holidays to changed opening hours, is summarised in our guide to Christmas in Mallorca.
Practical tips
- Check the programme: From late December, look on the website and social media channels of the Ajuntament d'Alcúdia for the time and route. They change from year to year.
- Getting there and parking: Streets around the old town are closed during the parade. Park outside the town walls and walk the last few minutes.
- With children: A bag or an upturned umbrella for the sweets, plus a warm jacket. In January it gets cool quickly after sunset.
- Costs: The parade is free.
- Staying overnight: In January a lot is closed in the north, but not everything. If you are coming with visitors and would rather not drive back, places to stay in Alcúdia are usually available at short notice at this time of year.