Wise Men

There are so many traditions in Galicia that I like, but this has to be my favorite. Until just recently, Santa Claus was unknown to Spaniards. The jolly old man made his way into Spanish culture about 10 years ago (give or take a few) through marketing. So what did they do before Santa came, you ask. They celebrated (and still celebrate) the arrival of the three wisemen to Bethlehem. It's great to see the true meaning of Christmas being truely celebrated. Don't get me wrong though, the spanish children want their barbies and playstations as much as an american child...but they sit on the laps of Melchor, Baltazar, and Gaspar! And now that they know about Santa...the parents have a real problem on their hands. So normally Santa brings a small present, but the three wisemen are the real deal around here.



Here in Santiago, the wisemen arrive January the 5th on the train where the mayor of Santiago awaits them and then there's a big parade with floats. The children wouldn't miss it for the world. They even throw candy out for them to catch. The parade ends in front of the cathedral and the wisemen go up to the balcony in the townhall and Melchor(who happens to be my brother-in-law, Luis!) addresses all the children in the square. Then the kids go up and tell them what they want for "Reyes". Then the next morning they run to see what the wisemen left for them. Here the wisemen are not only wise...they are magical. They travel on camel, but they mysteriously pass through the windows and doors of the houses.



This year I watched the parade pass from my 8th floor balcony, then Jose and I ran excitedly to Obradoiro square to watch them give their speech.








It's a beautiful event. And even though it is still revolved around the concept of presents the same as Santa, I like it because it's biblical.

Not only do they leave gifts for kids, but also for adults. This year the wisemen left me a beautiful pair of earrings. They must have talked to Santa somewhere on they way, because they matched the necklace Santa left me perfectly!!