Excitedly awaited by all children Los Reyes Magos finally came to Palma, tonight. Bringing along the Christmas presents the kids had been wishing for in their letters. It had been raining all day, but when the Three Wise Men arrived by boat in the old harbor, the sky opened up. Accompanied by a spectacular parade, the Cabalgata, they made their way through the streets of Palma.

This year, there were no sweets. But of course the children had left small treats for the Kings’ camels at the front doors, as usually. Hoping to find the Christmas gifts in return by tomorrow morning. And then it’s time for a piece of Roscón de Reyes. The popular wreath of yeast garnished with candied fruit contains a very special filling. 

Traditional bakeries like Fornet de la Soca or Forn del Santo Cristo hide a small figurine and a bean in each cake. The lucky one who catches the piece with the figurine gets the paper crown that comes with the Roscón. And feels like a king for one day, now. The one finding the bean, though, has to pay for the cake.

Who doesn’t love the story of the Three Magi coming all the way from the East to bring gifts to baby Jesus? I still marvel at the beautifully crafted little crib figures. Some of them riding on camels, others kneeling in front of the newborn. In Palma’s old town there is even a piece of street art named after Los Reyes Magos. A contemporary interpretation by Joan Aguiló and still one of my favorite works by the Mallorcan artist.