Forget Santa Claus. In Spain, the presents arrive on 6 January, when the Three Kings stop by. Los Reyes Magos is the biggest children's holiday of the year. While we've already packed away our Christmas trees, that's when the real party starts there.

The excitement begins on 5 January. Children wrote their wish lists to Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar weeks earlier. Now they're waiting for that evening, when the Kings parade through the streets.

The Cabalgata: Spain's biggest parade

On the evening of 5 January, the Cabalgata de los Reyes Magos takes place everywhere in Spain. It's similar to a Christmas parade, but bigger and more exuberant. The Three Kings ride on horseback or on enormous decorated floats through the streets, accompanied by music, lights and hundreds of acrobats and dancers.

The best part? The Kings throw handfuls of sweets to the children. Entire families come out to wave and join in. The biggest cities like Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia organise spectacular parades with pyrotechnics and live performances.

What happens on 6 January?

The morning of 6 January is the moment all Spanish children wait for. They run downstairs to see what the Three Kings brought. Been good? Then there are nice presents. Been naughty? Then you get a piece of coal (though nowadays it's usually sweet chocolate coal).

The day itself is an official holiday throughout Spain. Shops are closed, families come together and Spain's relaxed lifestyle comes into full effect. It's a day off that everyone uses to be together.

Roscón de Reyes: the cake everyone waits for

Every Three Kings celebration ends with Roscón de Reyes, a special ring cake decorated with candied fruit and often filled with cream or custard. Hidden in the cake are two surprises: a small figurine and a bean.

Find the figurine? Then you become king or queen of the day and get to wear a crown. Find the bean? Then you have to pay for the Roscón next year. Simple, fun and especially delicious.

(c) photo: Tony Rojas (Pexels)