When and where to enjoy the Barcelona Kings' parade 2024

Barcelona sees one of the most magical evenings of the entire year early each new year, when the Three Kings arrive to deliver presents on the night of January 5. 

Kings' Day, January 6, is one of the most important dates in the Christmas calendar in Catalonia, with another large family meal, topped off with a delicious cake, and even more present-giving. 

The night before, the evening of January 5, sees parades for the arrival of the kings up and down the land. 

This year's cavalcade in the Catalan capital will debut two new floats, that of King Gaspar and Baltasar, each inspired by the landscapes of their places of origin.

Gaspar's vehicle will bring a troupe with several camel figures and Baltasar's will pour into the African landscapes, accompanied by a live percussion group.

The leaders of each float will also wear new costumes and display new banners.

The other major update of this year's parade is that the royal pages will go ahead of their majesties to collect the cards from children on January 5 between 12 and 1 pm at the Espigó del Gas breakwater at Barcelona beach.

Barcelona Kings' Day parade route

The route will be the same as last year, with the parade starting at the Parc de la Ciutadella and ending at the Magic Fountain of Montjuïc.

About 1,200 volunteers people will help make the parade possible.

At 4.30 pm, the three kings Melcior, Gaspar, and Baltasar will once again arrive at Portal de la Pau and be handed the keys to the city by the mayor, who will also offer bread and salt as a sign of hospitality.

They will also be welcomed by the Giants of Barcelona, celebrating 600 years of history. 

From 6.00 pm, the Kings and their entourage will begin the parade at Parc de la Ciutadella.

The residents of Avinguda del Paral·lel and Ronda de Sant Pau will once again enjoy the party.

The route will go from Ciutadella Park up to Passeig de Colom, Avinguda Paral·lel, Ronda de Sant Pau, Carrer Urgell, and Carrer Sepúlveda to the Magic Fountain on Montjuïc, where they are expected to arrive just after 9pm. 

The full expected timings are: 

18.00: Av. Marquès de l’Argentera
18.15: Passeig Colom
19.10: Av. Paral·lel
19.30: Ronda Sant Pau
19.45: Mercat de Sant Antoni
20.30: Carrer Sepúlveda
20.45: Plaça Espanya
21.15: Av. Reina Maria Cristina