El día de Reyes (The Day of Kings) takes place on the 6th of January, the day of Epiphany. This is the day that all Spanish children look forward to as it is the equivalent to Christmas Day where gifts are exchanged by friends and family and delivered in true Christmas Spirit by Los Reyes Magos (the 3 Kings or Wise Men).

The day itself is preceded the night before by the procession of the Three Kings. On the night of the 5th floats, bands and dancers take to the streets and children line the pavements as the 3 Kings stand afloat their procession throwing sweets, chocolate and toys to the local children (and some parents!)

Often children living in country areas will leave their shoes outside and fill them with straw and carrots, hoping that the 3 Kings (especially Baltazar who rides a donkey and is believed to be the gift giver) will visit during the night and leave them gifts for the morning.

With the spirit of Christmas strong, during the day the 3 Kings will be seen giving more gifts ... but this time to the poor or unwell at orphanages, homes and hospitals throughout Spain.

With the celebrations now over, things quickly return to normal. After nearly one month of fun and enjoyment comes an abrupt finish for the children, with school starting throughout Spain on the 7th January and business re-opening for business as usual.