Three Kings collect coal ahead of Christmas festivities

The Three Kings traveled to the Sant Corneli coal mines near Cercs, north of Catalonia, to collect coal before January 6.

Giving coal is a tradition among Catalans for those children who have not behaved properly during the year, and instead of receiving gifts, the Three Kings leave bags of coal for them.

"We hope you will continue to behave properly. As you already know, we see everything," one of the Three Kings told the children after giving them a bag of candy coal.

After short speeches in the square of Museu de les Mines, their Majesties traveled on mine cars to collect coal themselves.

"I told them that I had been good this year and what I want for Christmas. I’m asking for a 3D pen, a ski suit, and more things," Aura, one of the children present, told the Catalan News Agency (ACN).

"They have a huge party, they give us sugary coal, which is really good, and I was able to ask the Kings for a present. I asked for football boots," Eric, another child on site, said.