Andorra la Vella Hosts Festive Three Kings Cavalcade Saturday

Andorra la Vella's Three Kings Cavalcade will take place on Saturday, starting at 6pm from Avinguda Príncep Benlloch and concluding at Plaça Coprínceps. The procession will pass through the streets of Andorra la Vella and Escaldes-Engordany, drawing crowds amid the festive Christmas lights along Avinguda Meritxell and Avinguda Carlemany.

One of the Magi, Gaspar, described the challenging journey to the principality, marked by cold weather, wind, and snow. Despite the difficulties, he said the camels were content to arrive, noting they adapt well even if they prefer drier conditions. Gaspar emphasised that children must behave well year-round, not just on Epiphany, as the Kings keep watch everywhere—from homes to schools.

Local children generally behave well, he added, with few complaints despite occasional exceptions. Gift requests have shifted over time, from toys and games to more technology and screens. Gaspar praised Andorra's scenic appeal and the event's spectacle, calling the excited faces of children—and adults—the highlight. "Just the look in the children's eyes on a day like this makes it all worthwhile," he said.

He dismissed rivalry with Santa Claus, describing a good relationship, and noted the strong bond among himself, Melcior, and Baltasar despite minor squabbles. His message to children: enjoy the magic, be better people, more supportive, and spread joy. Gaspar expressed hopes for global peace and personal improvement.

The cavalcade involves around 500 participants, including floats inspired by cinema characters like SpongeBob and local traditions such as Escaldes-Engordany's pubillatge. Thirteen-year-old Aday Garcia from Escaldes-Engordany, a veteran since age seven, will serve as a royal page in Gaspar's entourage for the second year running. He enjoys filling the streets with people, tossing sweets from floats, and sharing the night's magic, especially with younger children.

Garcia, who has danced in the Esbart Santa Anna troupe, acted in the living nativity, and taken part in pubillatge, stressed preserving traditions. "We must value our traditions, live them, and pass them on to the little ones," he said. Despite high demand, with some applicants turned away, he returns annually for the fun and to inspire others. He dreams of one day portraying a King himself.