The Kings fill the streets of Xàbia with magic
There is no pandemic that stops the magic of the three astronomers, although as happened last year this visit has to adapt to the circumstances but the result was one of its most exciting arrivals to remember.
Thursday 6th January 2022 – ÁLVARO MONFORT with Mike Smith
Once again, Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar have fulfilled their annual appointment with the children of Xàbia. There is no pandemic that stops the magic of the three astronomers, although as happened last year this visit has to adapt to the circumstances but the result was one of its most exciting arrivals to remember.
As usual, the Kings arrived by sea. One of the ships of the Xàbia’s fishing fleet set sail a few days ago to the shores of Israel so that the sages could cross the Mediterranean and enter the peninsula via Xàbia.
After touching down, their Majesties were received by the mayor of Xàbia, José Chulvi, the councilor for Fiestas, Kika Mata, and the priests of port. The shouting and chords of the pasodoble Xàbia accompanied their triumphant entry. This year, their reception was conditioned by the health situation and the usual crowds were not allowed to gather on the dock to greet the Kings, only the entourage and municipal representatives were in the area. However, Melchor, Gaspar, and Balthasar showed great sympathy and good humour knowing that they carried a great message that is passed down from generation to generation.
The magical cavalcade stood out for its colourful and variety of elements without neglecting some of the most characteristic representatives of the royal visit to Xàbia such as the living nativity scene, the star that guides the steps of the Kings and the proclamation that announces the arrival of the Kings at the gates of the old walled villa. Banners, ballets, floats full of gifts, music by the main local groups (Center Artístic Musical, Colla Portitxol and Colla Xirimitab’s) and a large float with the three Magi as the climax; they filled the 2.5km route from the port to the old town
There were been some surprises during the course of the cavalcade and some boys and girls in the municipality received their gifts from the pages themselves, putting up ladders and climbing up to the balconies of their homes to deliver them to stunned young eyes.
The parade went through the Plaza Presidente Adolfo Suárez, Avenidas Jaime I, Lepanto, Puerto and Juan Carlos I, Calle Cervantes, Avenida de Alicante, Ronda Norte, Príncipe de Asturias, Placeta del Convent until saying goodbye on Calle Doctor Borrull. to other localities, a long and wide route along which the public spread along it and ideal to avoid the crowds.
Due to the pandemic, this time there have been no traditional stops at Aduanas del Mar (on Paseo Jaime I) and in the Historic Center (in the Placeta del Convent) where the Kings receive, personally, the children and girls. However, this has not prevented Melchor, Gaspar and Balthasar from spreading their magic and illusion among all the xabieros and xabieres, young and old. I hope the great gift they have brought this year is good health and the end of the pandemic.
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