1. El Día de Reyes Cath Russell

2. What about presents? The fun and excitement for Spanish children comes on the 6 th of January.

3. The Three Kings On the 6 th of January we remember that three Kings visited Jesus and brought Him gifts

4. Alcoy In Alcoy on the 4 th of January an ambassador arrives to announce that the Kings are coming. (The festival in Alcoy is the oldest one, first recorded in 1866.)

5. Letters to the Kings Children write letters to the Kings asking for the gift that they most want to receive. Queridos Reyes Magos, Como este año he sido muy bueno y obediente, he hecho siempre los deberes y no he peleado con mis hermanos, quiero que me traigaís un mini iPod. Muchas gracias, Carlota XXX

6. Posting letters The children post their letters in the saddlebags of the ambassador’s donkeys

7. Reading the letters The Kings read the letters that night to be sure to bring the right gifts.

8. The night of the 5 th of January At dusk on the 5 th January the three Kings arrive in procession on camels with all their royal servants. They throw sweets to the waiting children.

9. Pajes The servants or “pajes” climb the balconies to distribute gifts and sweets.

10. How do I get my presents? Before they go to bed Spanish children place their shoes on the balcony instead of hanging stockings.

11. Don’t forget the Kings! Children also leave special biscuits called “polvorones”, milk or wine for the Kings and water and bread for the camels.

12. Día de Reyes On the 6 th of January (the Día de Reyes) the children in Spain find the gifts that the Kings have brought them.

13. For naughty children If you’ve been naughty during the year you can expect to receive some coal! If you’re lucky it could be sweet, the kind you can eat!

14. Special food! On the 6 th of January every family eats “roscón”. This is a special cake shaped like a ring.

15. ¡El Rey eres tú! The cake contains a tiny doll or figurine. If you get the surprise in your slice you are King for the day!

16. FIN