Cultural Notes
Kings Day – short version
Kings Day
- Remember, expect this to be challenging.
- First, read the English version.
- Next, read the Spanish version.
- Click the control to hear the audio.
- Listen several times, following along on the transcript.
- Finally, listen without looking at the transcript.
- See how many words and phrases you can pick out.
- Then try the long version.
Short Version
Kings Day
In Spain they celebrate Kings Day on January 6th. It is the most popular day among children as it is on this particular date that they receive their presents. It is the equivalent of Christmas Day in the United States.
On the night of January 5th each town or city will offer a ¨cabalgata¨. This is the event in which the Three Wise Kings will arrive in town riding horses or camels (more traditional). The Three Kings names are Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar and it is traditional that each family adopts a particular King.
El Día de Reyes
En España se celebra el Día de Reyes el 6 de enero. Es la fiesta más esperada por todos los niños ya que en este día reciben sus regalos. Es el equivalente al Día de Navidad en los Estados Unidos.
La noche del 5 de enero cada pueblo o ciudad ofrece una cabalgata. Es el momento cuando los Tres Reyes Magos entran al pueblo o ciudad montando a caballo o en camello (más tradicional). Los Reyes Magos se llaman Melchor, Gaspar y Baltasar, y es tradición que cada familia adopte uno en particular como su Rey especial.
