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.

A child’s excitement with King Baltasar after the Three Kings Parade in Galicia.

Where and When to Watch the Three Kings Parades in Galicia?

Well, getting back on track. Below, we will inform you about the schedules of the main Three Kings Parades in the cities and capitals of Galicia for this afternoon. This way, we can see their Majesties from the East in:

• Santiago de Compostela: it’s unknown how the Wise Men will arrive in the city of St. James, perhaps as pilgrims? The route begins at 5:00 PM, and they will arrive in the old town between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM. In Obradoiro Square, they will be received by the authorities to finally listen to the children’s requests.
• A Coruña: the route starts at 6:00 PM. It is estimated that their Majesties will tour the city center around 7:30 PM. Finally, children who wish to can personally greet them around 9:15 PM in María Pita Square.
• Lugo: starting at 6:00 PM, the Wise Men will tour the city through different streets. After passing the famous Roman wall, they will arrive at the City Hall building around 8:00 PM.
• Ourense: their Majesties will arrive in the city of As Burgas by train. Starting at 5:30 PM, they will tour the city, cross the Roman bridge, and arrive at the Main Square in the historic center.
• Pontevedra: the Parade will start around 6:00 PM and follow the usual route through the streets and the city center.

The Three Kings adoring the child in the Nativity scene.

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.