More than 800 people participated in the great Parade of Their Majesties of the East.
The royal procession passed through Los Almendros Avenue, Marte, Venus, Ruzafa and Herrerías streets, Christmas Square (Plaza de Sus Majestades los Reyes de España) and ended at the Julio Iglesias auditorium, in the Parque de l'Aigüera, there they have been received by the 4,000 attendees of the meeting, among them thousands of boys and girls who, despite the humidity, have patiently waited for the arrival of the Kings of the East before they began their magical night tour through the city. Also present were the mayor, Toni Pérez; the Councilor for Festivals, Mariló Cebreros; and a large representation of the municipal corporation.
Toni Pérez, welcomed Melchor, Gaspar, Baltasar on behalf of the city and wished them and their emissaries for 2024 a happy stay, the former president of the Penyes Association 'Verge del Sofratge', Ramón Cano; the former soccer player, Antonio López; and the person in charge of the sports schools of the Benidorm Nautical Club, Gabriel Ruiz.
“We were waiting for you,” the mayor said. "The most wonderful of stars has brought you here and you have seen the faces of the children of Benidorm full of hope." Toni Pérez asked the Three Wise Men for “Solidarity among peoples, peace in the world, and health and happiness in all hearts” before reminding them that they still had “a lot of work” because they had “a visit to all the homes in Benidorm” left. ”, especially “those who need it most.” The first mayor concluded by wishing you that “your light illuminates a prosperous 2024 that we all hope for.”
More than 800 people and 11 floats have participated in the Three Kings Parade. As is traditional, it has been divided into two parts. In the first, of a playful nature, the protagonists have been characters from movies and television series. In the second, the story 'The story of the Three Wise Men of the East' has been recreated.
The Christmas Star, a role played by the Benidorm stylist, actress, designer, presenter and journalist Cristina Rodríguez, opened the way for the Three Wise Men who, as a novelty, this year have completely renewed their wardrobe. A tour in which the Colla de Xirimiters de la Marina, the Bandeta Tropical and the three local musical societies have provided the musical note: Unión Musical de Benidorm, SM l'Illa de Benidorm and SM 'La Nova', performing the symphonic suite 'The Three Wise Men', by Francisco José Rovira Peretó.
La Cabalgata has staged the six sequences into which the story is divided: 'The Star and the Birth', 'Herod', 'The Shepherds', 'The Arab Souk', 'The Royal Entourage' and, finally, 'The Kings'. Wizards'. The public crowded in the streets of Benidorm has especially applauded the passage of the Orihuela Armed Centuria, the animals, especially the geese, or the living Nativity scene, performed by members of the ACR 'La Barqueta'.
The great Three Kings Parade has ended with a spectacular fireworks display. Next, Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar gave some presents to the small congregation. Subsequently, as the night progressed, Their Majesties said goodbye to the public to fulfill the mission that Christmas entrusts them each year, to make all the boys and girls of Benidorm happy.
The Three Wise Men also visit the Double Love
Before participating in the parade in their honor in Benidorm, the Three Wise Men have been to the Huerta. At 4:30 p.m. they arrived by train at the Camí de les Coves stop where they were also received by Toni Pérez, Mariló Cebreros and other councilors, including the regional deputy José Ramón González de Zárate.
From there Their Majesties went to the Doble Amor centre where they distributed gifts among its users and, later, they did the same at the Hermitage of Sanç where the children of the neighbourhood were waiting for them.