The Three Kings Parade 2026

The Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes Magos) in Estepona is one of the most anticipated events of the year. For 2026, the town has planned a massive celebration featuring 12 floats, over 16,000 kg of sweets, and 4,000 toys/balls to be distributed among the crowds.

Here is the essential information:

Event Schedule: January 5, 2026
The Morning: Kings Arrival
Time: 11:30 AM

Location: Recinto Ferial (Fair, Sports, and Leisure Park)

Details: Their Majesties Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar will make a grand entrance, traditionally arriving by helicopter. This is followed by a children’s party featuring the show “In Search of the Magic Star” by La Gatika Productions.

The Main Parade: Cabalgata
Time: 5:00 PM (17:00)

Starting Point: Estepona City Hall (Avenida Juan Carlos I)

Theme: This year’s floats are inspired by “Fantastic Cinema.”

Participants: The procession includes 12 floats, 7 animated “pasacalles” (street performers), the Municipal Band of Estepona, and even a special appearance by the 501st Spanish Garrison (Star Wars characters).

The Parade Route
The parade travels through the heart of the town, ensuring plenty of viewing spots:

• Avenida Juan Carlos I (Departure)
• Avenida de Andalucía
• Avenida de España (Paseo Marítimo area)
• Calle Terraza
• Plaza Antonia Guerrero (Arrival)

Pro Tip: The Plaza Antonia Guerrero is where the parade concludes, and children have the opportunity to deliver their last-minute letters directly to the Kings.

Cancelada Parade
For those located on the eastern side of the municipality, a separate parade takes place in the district of Cancelada.

Time: 5:00 PM (17:00)

Route: Starts from the Tenencia de Alcaldía on Calle Montemayor and winds through the local streets of the village.

Practical Information for Visitors
Candy: Expect a “shower” of sweets! It is common practice for children to bring bags or even upturned umbrellas to catch as many as possible.

Parking: The town center will be very crowded with several road closures starting from early afternoon. It is highly recommended to park at the Palacio de Congresos or the Recinto Ferial and walk into the center.

Safety: Keep a close eye on children, as the crowds can be dense, especially near the Avenida de España.

In Estepona, the opportunity for children to meet the Cartero Real (Royal Postman) and deliver their letters is a central part of the buildup to the main parade.

For 2026, the Estepona Town Hall has organized specific times for the “Royal Emissaries” to collect these important wish lists. Here are the details to add to your website:

Meeting the Royal Postman (Cartero Real)

Main Event in Estepona Center

• Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026
• Time: 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (17:00 – 20:00)
• Location: Plaza Antonia Guerrero (Some official notices also mention the Auditorio Municipal, so it is worth checking both if they are nearby, but Plaza Antonia Guerrero is the traditional hub for this).
• Activity: The Royal Postman will be stationed here to personally receive letters from children addressed to Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar.

Additional Opportunities

• Post-Parade (January 5): If children miss the Saturday event, they have one last chance on the day of the parade. After the main procession finishes at Plaza Antonia Guerrero (around 8:00 PM), Their Majesties usually remain for a short time to greet the children and accept any final last-minute letters.
• Cancelada: The Royal Postman also typically visits the Tenencia de Alcaldía in Cancelada; while the main parade there is on the 5th, local letter collection often happens on the 3rd or 4th in the late afternoon.

Note on the “Royal Mailbox”

Outside of these specific events, the town often places a Buzón Real (Royal Mailbox) in the Orchidarium Park (Parque Botánico Orquidario) or near the Town Hall throughout the Christmas period (late December to January 5) for kids to drop off letters at any time.