Bilbao Three Kings Parade 2027 (Errege Kabalgata): a practical guide

What is the Three Kings Parade?

In Spain, Christmas presents are brought by the Three Kings on the night of 5 to 6 January. The evening before, Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar ride through the city on floats while their entourage throws sweets to the crowd. It is a free street celebration, mainly for children.

In Basque, the region's other official language, it is called the Errege Kabalgata or Errege Magoen Kabalgata (errege means king). Bilbao has two traditions side by side: Olentzero, the Basque charcoal burner who brings presents on Christmas Eve, and the Three Kings on 6 January. We cover Olentzero in our Christmas in Bilbao guide.

When is the Bilbao Three Kings Parade 2027?

On the evening of Tuesday 5 January 2027. The 2027 times and route have not been published. We will update this guide once the City Council presents its Christmas programme.

The next day, Wednesday 6 January 2027, is a public holiday across Spain (BOE).

The 2026 route and times, for reference

This is how it went on Monday 5 January 2026, according to the council programme as listed in the Basque Government's culture listings (Kulturklik) and by Bilbao Turismo (Bilbao Turismo):

The parade goes east along Gran Vía, through Moyua and Plaza Circular, and ends at City Hall by the river, where the mayor welcomes the Kings at the main entrance. In 2026 there were 10 floats and 5 street acts, and the procession was closed by a Sweet Factory that handed out 3 tonnes of gluten-free sweets.

The Kings' reception at City Hall

In 2026 the Kings received children on the morning of 5 January, from 10:00 to 14:00, in the Arab Room (Salón Árabe) of City Hall. To avoid queues, entry was with free passes booked online in advance (Kulturklik). If you are travelling with children who want to hand over their letter, book as soon as booking opens, in late December.

Where to watch the parade

• With small children: the start, on Gran Vía between María Díaz de Haro and Moyua. It passes earlier, between 18:00 and 18:30, and Gran Vía is wide.
• Moyua: a large square with its own metro station.
• City Hall: where the parade ends and the Kings arrive. The most crowded spot; go very early if you want a place.

Tips for your first parade

• The sweets: thrown to the crowd along the route. In 2026 they were gluten-free. Bring a bag for the children.
• Rain: it often rains in Bilbao in January. Bring a rain jacket; an open umbrella blocks the view for people behind you.
• Clothing: several hours standing outdoors in January. Wrap up warm.
• With children: agree on a meeting point in case you get separated.

Getting around: metro, tram and buses

• Tram: on 5 January 2026, Euskotren suspended trams between the Arriaga and Pío Baroja stops from 17:00 to 21:00 for the parade; the rest of the day it ran normally (Euskotren).
• Metro: the easiest way to reach Gran Vía and Moyua, which has its own station.
• Bilbobus: city buses change their routes through the centre that evening. The 2027 diversions will be published in the days before.
• Car: do not drive into the centre that evening; Gran Vía is closed for the parade.

What opens and closes on 6 January?

6 January (Epiphany, Kings' Day) is a national public holiday and a family day: presents are opened in the morning and many households eat roscón de Reyes, a ring-shaped sweet with a small figurine and a dried bean hidden inside.

Many shops close and museums have holiday hours or close: check each website before you go. More ideas for those days in our Christmas in Bilbao guide and the Bilbao listings.