three wise men

Most councils opt to bring back January 5 parades this year but with safety measures in place 

The Three Wise Men arrived in Catalonia greeted by throngs of children and families in time for Epiphany

The supposedly humorous video was quickly taken down and replaced with an apology

Between a defecating log and sumptuous kings, gift-givers in Catalonia are far from usual

In some Catalan towns a white actor in black facepaint interprets Balthasar, one of the Three Kings bringing presents to children

Logs that poo presents, men with 365 noses, and cakes with hidden surprises, Christmas in Catalonia has many of its own unique traditions. These include 'Caga Tió' - a log that brings edible goodies  to children; live nativity scenes featuring 'El Caganer' - a humorous hidden figure to bring good luck, and 'El Tortell de Reis' a cake that can turn you into a King. While the Santa-led celebration on the 25^th is becoming increasingly important due to marketing and globalisation, in Catalonia traditionally the biggest day (when children receive presents) is the 6^th of January, which is the 'Dia de Reis' (Day of the Kings), when kids wake up and discover presents brought by the Three Wise Men. The night before, the Three Kings parade around the main cities and towns, forming a big colourful and festive procession.

This year, Barcelona will be the focus of the Beijing Design Week (BJDW), to be held between the 26^th of September and the 3^rd of October in the Chinese Capital. The international exhibition will dedicate 8 spaces to Barcelona, the biggest being 79 Tank, a 3,500 square metre pavilion housed in an old gas tank. The BJDW will devote a total of 5 exhibitions, 17 conferences and more than 20 activities to the design made in Barcelona. In addition, alternative design will also be present during this week-long event that brings together the capitals of China and Catalonia: 3 small projects will to take place in District Dashilar, one of the oldest neighbourhoods of Beijing. The BJDW event that last year attracted 5 million people, previous invites have included London (2011), Milan (2012) and Amsterdam (2013), making Barcelona the 4^th largest city to be chosen.

All towns in Catalonia welcome the arrival of the Three Wise Men on the 5th of January. Children and parents gather on the streets throughout the country to greet the Kings from the East in an enormous display of colour, sweets and presents that cannot fail to delight everyone. The Three Wise Men often travel by camel, but they have also been known to visit some towns using floats, classic cars, boats or even helicopters! Catalan children are very excited that night, because this is the “magical night” on which they traditionally receive their big Christmas presents – although some also get presents from other magic figures such as Santa or the very Catalan tradition of the ‘caga tió’ on the 24th of December.

Wondering why all the children are excited and happy? The Three Kings have already arrived in Catalonia. Their presence has already created a magical atmosphere and on Wednesday night they will deliver gifts to every single house in the country.

Barcelona (ACN).- The main parade will distribute over 40 tonnes of sweets that are suitable for celiacs. It is not Santa who comes to Catalonia bearing gifts, but the Three Wise Men. That is why the 6th January, known as the Day of the Three Magic Kings is celebrated like Christmas in Catalonia