Fiesta de Los Reyes

Tonight, we joined the throngs of people in the annual parade celebrating the arrival of the Three Kings in Olvera, the eve of "El dia de Los Reyes" (The day of the Kings), the day when it is traditional to give and receive Christmas gifts here in Spain.

It reflects the time when the Three Kings arrived in the Holy Land bringing their gifts to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.

The highly decorated floats carrying the Kings and their attendants drive through the streets of the town throwing out confetti, sweets and small gifts to the excited children and it seems to the even more exciteable parents, all hoping to fill their pockets and plastic bags with lots of goodies.

We followed the parade to Calle Mercado passing underneath the floodlit castle picking up many of the sweets that were lying discarded in the road.

The event ended with a firework display from the park above the Plaza de Andalucia and at about 8.30pm we retired to the warmth of Bar Juanito Gómez for a few delicious tapas and a couple of beers.

Another brilliant evening, the first of many fiestas throughout 2010.

We look forward to the next one being the Carnaval, one of my favourites, that usually takes place at the end of February or early March.