Cabalgata de Reyes Magos

This evening we went to watch the annual "Calvacade of the Three Kings" on the traditional night in Spain when Christmas gifts are delivered to the homes of the children.

Waiting in eager anticipation for the arrival of the procession, bags at the ready to collect the sweets and presents thrown from the floats in the parade.

Leading the parade were the excellent Band of Music of Olvera.

An upturned umbrella is a great way to ensure you catch the maximum amount of sweets thrown from the floats...and also a good method of protection!.

It's great fun to watch and just as much fun taking part too.

Football's were amongst the most popular gifts thrown from the floats.

A large crowd watched and followed the procession, here at the Plaza de la Concordia.

And this is what it's all about. Seeing the delight on the faces of children as they open their presents, like here as we watched Paco and his lovely family unwrap their gifts at Bar La Noria.

Visita de los Carteros Reales

Today saw the first traditional event of the Christmas celebrations here in Spain, the visit of The Royal Postmen, here to collect the cards and gift requests of the children of Olvera. 

On another lovely day, a large crowd was gathering in the Plaza del Ayuntamiento eagerly awaiting the arrival of the postmen.

Preceded by the trumpets and drums of the excellent "Band of Santa Ana, Olvera", the postmen's carriage was in sight on Calle Llana.
 

One of the largest crowds for many years were gathered under blue skies.

Children and parents queued enthusiastically before handing over their letters and cards in return for a handful of sweets. All of the requests will be passed to the Three Kings, Balthazar, Gaspar and Melchior who will deliver their gifts to the children on the 6th January, the traditional day for the giving and receiving of presents.

This lovely baby was having the best fun of all, really enjoying his time sat on the knee of one of the postmen.

A brilliant start to the Christmas celebrations and hopefully everyone will get what they wish for.

Cabalgata de Reyes Magos

 This evening saw the first fiesta of the New Year, the procession of the Three Kings through the streets of Olvera.

The parade precedes the traditional day in Spain (6th January) for the giving and receiving of Christmas gifts, the day when the Three Wise Men arrived in Bethlehem to give gifts to celebrate the birth of Christ.

As the floats pass by, the Kings and their attendants throw sweets and small gifts to the assembled crowds who scramble in the street to collect them.

Great fun is had by all.