Three Kings defy cold, frost, and snow across Catalonia for parades and presents

The Three Wise Men have once again filled the streets of Catalonia with excitement, this year battling off the threat of cold and rain, and in snowy conditions in parts of the territory.

According to the city council, around 600,000 people took to the streets to welcome Their Majesties in Barcelona alone.

The public was surprised by a procession dedicated to the Tour de France, which kicks off in the Catalan capital this year, which included various circus performers and 12 cyclists doing acrobatic choreography.

Two new floats were also debuted in Barcelona's parade, the King Balthazar float and the Toy float.

After picking up the key to the city from mayor Jaume Collboni earlier in the afternoon, Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar toured the city accompanied by a troupe of 1,300 people and distributed seven tons of candy. Overnight, they left presents in houses for children to wake up. 

The parade went from Parc de la Ciutadella to the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc. Thousands of families waited out for more than an hour to be in the front row, despite the cold and the threat of rain.

The new toy float was shaped like a colorful train, inspired by classic toys, with a platform full of games and choreography around the moving elements of the vehicle.

The procession of King Balthazar was particularly popular, with live music and a float with giant djembes with a double platform.