Updated on 20 October 2026
What is the Cabalgata de Reis?
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 Galician it is called the Cabalgata de Reis (reis means kings), and that is the name in the programme of Santiago City Council, which organises it as part of its Christmas season, 'Compostela, a estrela do Nadal' (City Council).
When is the Santiago Cabalgata de Reis 2027?
On the evening of Tuesday 5 January 2027. The 2027 time and route have not been published. We will update this guide as soon as the Christmas programme is published.
The next day, Wednesday 6 January 2027, is a public holiday across Spain (BOE). 2027 is also a Holy Year in Santiago, with the Cathedral's Holy Door open: see our Holy Year 2027 guide.
The 2026 times, for reference
This is how it went on Monday 5 January 2026, according to the council programme (City Council):
| Time | What and where |
|---|---|
| 17:30 | The parade sets off from Praza de Nosa Señora da Mercé, in Conxo |
| 19:30 | Royal reception at the Pazo de Raxoi (City Hall, on Praza do Obradoiro) |
According to the programme, the parade goes through the streets of Compostela from Conxo and ends with the reception for any children who want to come to the Pazo de Raxoi. The council did not publish the street-by-street route in its programme; we will add it if it appears in the 2027 one.
Where to watch the parade
- At the end, on the Obradoiro: the reception at the Pazo de Raxoi is on Praza do Obradoiro, opposite the Cathedral. It is the easiest spot for a visitor to find and the one that draws the biggest crowd.
- Near the start, in Conxo: the Conxo neighbourhood is south of the centre. The parade passes there earlier, from 17:30.
- Arrive early: the old town's streets are narrow and fill up quickly.
Tips for your first parade
- Rain: it often rains in Santiago in January. Bring a rain jacket; an open umbrella blocks the view for people behind you.
- The sweets: thrown to the crowd along the route. Bring a bag for the children.
- Clothing: wrap up, it is a January evening outdoors.
- With children: agree on a meeting point in case you get separated.
Other Kings' Day plans
The 2025-2026 programme also included (City Council):
- Kings' Concert by the Municipal Band, on Sunday 4 January at 12:00 at the Teatro Principal, for all ages.
- Kings' Concert by the Real Filharmonía de Galicia, on 5 and 6 January at 20:30 at the Auditorio de Galicia, for adults and ticketed.
- Christmas market on Carreira do Conde, by the Alameda park, open until 5 January.
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 (roscón de Reis in Galician), a ring-shaped sweet with a small figurine and a dried bean hidden inside.
- Council Christmas attractions: in 2025-2026, the Christmas train and the ice rink in the Alameda were closed on 25 December and on 1 and 6 January (City Council).
- Shops and museums: many close or have holiday hours. Check each place before you go.
More ideas in our Christmas in Santiago guide and the Santiago listings.
Frequently asked questions
What time is the Santiago Three Kings Parade 2027?
It has not been published yet. In 2026 it left Praza de Nosa Señora da Mercé, in Conxo, at 17:30.
Where does the Santiago parade end?
In 2026 it ended with the Kings' reception for children at the Pazo de Raxoi, on Praza do Obradoiro, at 19:30.
What is the route of the Cabalgata de Reis?
The council only published the start (Conxo) and the end (Pazo de Raxoi). The 2027 street-by-street route is still to be confirmed.
What does Cabalgata de Reis mean?
It is Galician for Three Kings Parade, the name used by Santiago City Council.
Is 6 January a holiday in Santiago?
Yes. Wednesday 6 January 2027 is a public holiday across Spain.
Sources
Information checked on the official websites below. Times and prices can change: confirm before you go.