Did you know that in Galicia there are (almost) 530 Wise Men?

Today is the first big day of the year that all the children were waiting for: the Three Wise Men Parade. In the first week of the New Year that we are starting today, we can enjoy this great celebration. Coming from the East and loaded with gifts, Melchior, Gaspar, and Baltasar are the protagonists of the end of Christmas and the excitement of the children. Moreover, today, on the eve of their arrival, we will tell you where and when to see them in the main Three Wise Men Parades in Galicia.
Accompanied by their pages, camels, and floats, they will distribute candies as a prelude to the gifts they will leave in Galician homes tonight. This afternoon we can see the Wise Men in Galicia, like pilgrims of the Camino de Santiago, walking through the main cities of the region.
Where and when to see the Three Wise Men Parades in Galicia? If you want to know the different schedules, keep reading, but before we do that, and as a curiosity, did you know that in Galicia there are almost 530 Wise Men? We're not saying it, but the National Institute of Statistics. Shall we delve into that a bit?

Melchior, a Wise Man very present in A Coruña

In Galicia, statistics say that there are 112 people named Melchior, a name of Hebrew origin that means "king of light." Carrying gold, with fair skin, a white beard, and considered the oldest of the trio, he represents European peoples. This Wise Man, very present in the province of A Coruña, has 59 namesakes registered.

Gaspar and Baltasar, the favorites in Pontevedra

As for Melchior's companions, the numbers say that Gaspar and Baltasar are the most common names of Wise Men in Galicia. Furthermore, specifically, Pontevedra is the province with the most people registered with these names. But let's break it down.
King Gaspar has 203 namesakes in Galicia, of which 96 are registered in the province of Pontevedra. His name comes from Persian and means "treasure administrator." Carrying incense, he has a chestnut-colored beard and represents adulthood.
As for the third member of the group, King Baltasar has the most popular name, with 213 namesakes in Galicia. As mentioned above, most of these "Baltasars" are registered in the province of Pontevedra. Considered the Wise Man who represents youth, his name comes from Babylon, and its meaning is "God protects the king." Carrying myrrh, he is depicted as a man of color, due to the Christianizing efforts of the Church in the world.

Where and when to see the Three Kings Parades in Galicia?

Well then, let’s get to the point. Below you will find the schedule of the main Three Kings Parades in the Galician cities and provincial capitals for this afternoon. This way, we will be able to see Their Majesties from the East in:

• Santiago de Compostela: The parade will go through the streets of Santiago de Compostela on January 5 starting at 17:30, departing from the Conxo neighborhood and finishing in Obradoiro Square around 19:00. After the parade, Their Majesties will receive the children at the Pazo de Raxoi.
• A Coruña: The Three Kings Parade will start at 17:00 from Barrio das Flores and will travel through several streets of the city before ending in María Pita Square. After arriving, the Three Kings will greet the crowd from the balcony of the City Hall and there will be activities for children in the square.
• Lugo: Their Majesties will take part in the Great Three Kings Parade on January 5. The parade will begin at 18:00 in Parque da Milagrosa and will finish around 19:30 in Praza Maior, where the Kings will address the children from the balcony of the City Hall.
• Ourense: The Three Kings will arrive at the train station in the afternoon of January 5 and will begin their route through the city accompanied by floats and entertainment. The parade will pass through several streets until reaching Plaza Mayor and will end with a fireworks display near the Miño River around 20:00.
• Pontevedra: The Three Kings will arrive in Pontevedra in the morning to take part in an official reception. In the afternoon, the parade will begin at 18:00 and will travel through the main streets of the historic center before finishing in Plaza de España.
• Vigo: The program will include a static parade in the morning on Avenida de Castelao and, in the afternoon starting at 18:00, a dynamic parade that will travel through the city center. The parade will end at Porta do Sol with the official reception and greeting from Their Majesties.
• Ferrol: Their Majesties will visit the rural areas in the days leading up to January 5. On that day they will travel through the streets of the city starting at 18:00 until reaching Plaza de Armas, where they will greet the children at the municipal palace.

Are you ready for the Three Kings Parades in Galicia?

With Santa Claus's permission, the Three Wise Men are very beloved in Galicia, as evidenced by the names of many Galicians. Many of them will probably be parents of young children, and together with their children, they can greet their namesakes from the Far East.
The youngest in the house will surely have already written and sent their letter to the Three Kings. With their "homework" done, today is a day of excitement and a night of nerves. Tomorrow morning, finally, there will be very sweet awakenings with gifts and King's cake. Surely, in addition, all the children of Galicia have behaved very well, and there will be many surprises and little coal.
From Viajes Camino de Santiago, we sincerely wish all the children of Galicia a great Three Kings Parade afternoon.