Three Kings Parade in Malaga
On the evening of 5 January the Three Kings parade through central Malaga and end with an offering to the Child Jesus at the Cathedral.
When
Next: Tuesday, January 5, 2027.
On the evening of 5 January, the eve of Epiphany.
Last time: Monday, January 5, 2026.
What it is
Malaga's Three Kings parade dates back to the early years of the 20th century. The idea came from the Malaga scholar Narciso Díaz de Escovar, then royal delegate for primary education, although in those first decades it was interrupted more than once.
After the Civil War, in the early 1940s, the Frente de Juventudes revived the parade and added a representation of the Adoration of the Child in a nativity scene set up on the Acera de la Marina. In the late 1950s local shops and institutions joined in and the City Council took over its organisation.
Since the 1957 parade King Caspar has always been played by a member of a Holy Week brotherhood chosen by the Agrupación de Cofradías, which that year built his float together with the Sociedad Excursionista. Today several brotherhoods also prepare floats showing scenes from the Gospels.
Where
The procession leaves the City Hall and runs along Avenida de Cervantes, Plaza del General Torrijos, Paseo del Parque, Plaza de la Marina and the Alameda Principal; it crosses the river on the Tetuán bridge, comes back over the Esperanza bridge towards Atarazanas and Puerta del Mar, and ends at the Cortina del Muelle (2026 route).
Afterwards the Kings and their retinues walk up Molina Lario to Plaza del Obispo, where they make their offering to the Child Jesus on the steps of the Cathedral's main door.
Customs and traditions
A few days earlier the Royal Herald arrives in the city and parades through the historic centre from the Alcazaba to the headquarters of the Agrupación de Cofradías, in the former San Julián hospital, where he collects children's letters.
Along the official route the Agrupación de Cofradías sells chairs so people can watch the parade seated. One of the three Kings, Caspar, is played every year by a member of a Malaga brotherhood.
FAQ
When is the Three Kings Parade in Malaga?
On the evening of 5 January, the eve of Epiphany.
Where does the parade end?
The procession ends at the Cortina del Muelle and the Kings walk up to the Cathedral to make their offering to the Child Jesus on its steps.
Who plays King Caspar?
Since 1957 he has been played by a brotherhood member appointed by the Agrupación de Cofradías of Malaga.
Can you book seats to watch the parade?
Yes. The Agrupación de Cofradías sells chair seats along the official route through its online ticket office.