Huelva Three Kings Parade
One of the oldest Three Kings parades in Spain, first held in 1922: the Kings arrive by boat at the port and on 5 January travel through almost every district of the city.
When
Next: Tuesday, January 5, 2027.
The parade is held on 5 January. The Royal Herald tours the city on the 3rd and the Kings arrive by boat on the 4th.
Last time: Monday, January 5, 2026.
What it is
The Huelva Three Kings Parade began as an initiative of the Agrupación Artística «Álvarez Quintero» over Christmas 1921-1922. At one of its theatre performances the audience was asked for a donation and a small toy, and the first parade took place in January 1922, with the Kings on horseback setting out from Plaza de la Merced through the city centre. It was funded by a public subscription opened by the City Council with 250 pesetas, which collected more than 3,500 toys. Huelva Tourism counts it among the oldest Three Kings parades in Spain.
Today it is organised by the City Council and spread over several days: the Royal Herald announces the visit on 3 January; on the 4th the Three Kings and the Star of Hope land at the port —in 2026 for the third year running, at the Marina del Odiel on the Muelle de Levante— and collect children's letters at the City Hall; and on the 5th the main parade sets off. The customs of the first parade survive: visits to the sick and the elderly on the morning of the 5th.
Where
It travels through the city's streets and reaches almost every district; Huelva Tourism highlights its route along avenida de Andalucía and the finish, from 9 pm, beside the City Hall in Plaza de la Constitución. The Kings' arrival by boat is at the Muelle de Levante (Marina del Odiel), with public access through a gate opposite Parque Alcalde Juan Ceada (Parque de Zafra).
Customs and traditions
From midday the floats hand out sweets all over the city. In the days before, the Kings receive children's letters in the council chamber at the City Hall, and on the morning of the 5th they visit care homes for the elderly and for people with disabilities, and hospitals, as was already done at the first parade in 1922.
The City Council asks spectators not to step into the parade's path, to keep their distance from the floats, to stay close to children and to identify them with wristbands or contact cards.
FAQ
When is the Huelva Three Kings Parade?
On 5 January. The Royal Herald tours the city on the 3rd and the Kings arrive by boat at the port on the 4th.
How long has it been held?
Since January 1922, on the initiative of the Agrupación Artística «Álvarez Quintero».
Where do the Kings arrive by boat?
At the Muelle de Levante, at the Marina del Odiel. In 2026 the public could enter from 4 pm through a gate opposite Parque de Zafra.
Where does the parade end?
According to Huelva Tourism, it finishes from 9 pm beside the City Hall, in Plaza de la Constitución.