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Three Kings Parade to Take Place on 5 January with Alternative Route Planned in Case of Rain

 

Benidorm / 3 January 2026

 

Benidorm is putting the final touches in place for the arrival of the Three Kings, with a spectacular parade scheduled for the evening of 5 January, involving around 1,000 participants. The parade will depart from Elche Park and conclude at the Julio Iglesias Auditorium, although an alternative route is being prepared should adverse weather conditions arise.

 

Mayor Toni Pérez, accompanied by Councillor for Festivals Mariló Cebreros, today outlined the key details of what is expected to be one of the city’s most popular and well-attended festive events. Described as both “spectacular and massive”, the parade will once again combine tradition with modern elements to delight families and visitors alike.

 

Emissaries of the Three Kings Announced

Their Majesties have already selected their official emissaries, whose role will be to assist in organising the parade and coordinating the distribution of gifts.

 

• King Melchior has appointed Juan Antonio González Magaña, parish priest of the Church of Sant Jaume and Santa Ana.
• King Gaspar has chosen Juan Antonio Espinosa Zaragoza, musician and recipient of the 2024 Ciutat de Benidorm Cultural Distinction.
• King Balthazar has named Ramón Garrigós Martínez, coach at the Nautical Club and the Anémona rowing team.

 

Mayor Pérez highlighted that all three emissaries bring extensive experience in managing teams and large-scale projects, which will be essential in overseeing both the parade and the organisation of toy and gift distribution.

 

Star of Christmas and Parade Structure

As is traditional, the Three Kings will follow the path marked by the Star of Christmas, which this year will be embodied by Professor Mª José Lozano Pérez, recipient of the 2025 Ciutat de Benidorm Cultural Distinction. She will lead the parade and guide Their Majesties into the city.

 

The parade itself will be divided into two distinct sections. The first will be a playful and colourful segment featuring characters from popular children’s films and television series. The second will take a more traditional approach, recreating The Story of the Three Wise Men of the East,

accompanied by the symphonic suite The Three Wise Men, composed by Benidorm musician Francisco José Rovira Peretó.

 

The musical work is structured into six movements, reflecting the narrative: The Star and the Birth, Herod, The Shepherds, The Arab Souk, The Royal Entourage and The Three Wise Men. The suite will be performed live by four local musical groups: Unión Musical, Societat Musical l’Illa, Societat Musical La Nova, and Bandeta Tropical, alongside the Colla de Xirimiters de la Marina, five dance companies and a dozen floats.

 

Route and Contingency Planning

The parade is scheduled to begin at 6.00pm, leaving Elche Park and proceeding along Avenida de los Almendros, Marte, Venus, Ruzafa and Herrerías streets, passing through Plaza de SSMM Reyes de España and Parque de l’Aigüera, before finishing at the Julio Iglesias Auditorium. There, a multimedia show and fireworks display will take place, followed by the traditional distribution of gifts to children.

 

Given the possibility of rain, the City Council has confirmed that an alternative route is being prepared and will be communicated via official channels if required. Mayor Pérez reassured residents and visitors alike, stating that “Benidorm will ensure that the Three Kings Parade, whatever the weather, is as brilliant and magical as it has been in recent years,” adding that Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar have personally confirmed their arrival on the afternoon of 5 January.

 

Through their emissaries, Their Majesties have also expressed their excitement at visiting Benidorm and spreading joy, with the promise that “no child will be left without a gift”.

 

Royal Postman Arrives in Benidorm

Ahead of the Three Kings’ arrival, the Royal Postman will visit the city to collect children’s letters. He will be in Plaza de la Navidad today, Friday 2 January, from 6.00pm, and will return over the weekend: on Saturday from 5.00pm and Sunday from 6.00pm.