La Laguna is adorned to welcome the visit of Their Majesties the Three Wise Men of the East today, featuring an extensive programme of events where the young ones will take centre stage. The highlight of the day is the Grand Parade at 6:00 p.m., which will revive a historical route that has not been conducted in the city for 36 years, as per the city council’s information.
The mayor, Luis Yeray Gutiérrez, encouraged all residents of the municipality and the wider Island to take part in this special celebration, “in which we have included significant new features to ensure that every boy and girl gets the chance to see Melchor, Gaspar and Baltasar.”
Luis Yeray Gutiérrez stated that “the programme will commence at 11:30 a.m. with the City Council’s traditional reception for the Three Wise Men of the East in the Plenary Hall. After that, a new route will start from the arch of lights on Carrera Street, making its way to the tower of La Concepción. Their Majesties and their royal pages will personally collect the letters from all those gathered in the town.”
Once this procession nears the church, the mayor will present the magic keys of the city to Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar, enabling them to distribute their gifts from Sunday to Monday morning. This moment will be complemented by a children’s show from the Habemus Teatro company.
The Festival Councillor, Dailos González, added that the afternoon schedule will kick off at 5:00 p.m. from the Royal Sanctuary of the Holy Christ of La Laguna, where the Three Wise Men will carry out the customary act of worship.
Grand Parade
At 6:00 p.m., the Grand Parade of the Three Wise Men will commence from the Plaza del Cristo, traversing the streets of Nava and Grimón, Obispo Rey Redondo, Hermanos Marrero, Herradores, Consistorio, and returning to Nava and Grimón, concluding back at the starting point of this procession.
The parade will feature nine floats and over 500 participants, including extras, royal pages, elves, children’s characters, superheroes, performances, dance troupes, musical bands, stilt walkers, jugglers, and other iconic figures representing this festive season. There will be an array of illuminated inflatables, marine displays, an Avatar-themed setting, and countless surprises, some of which have already delighted visitors at the Camp of Illusion.
Dailos González expressed gratitude for the contributions from other departments of the Consistory in this event, such as Social Welfare, which has assisted with the inclusive train and the establishment of a PMR area in Plaza del Adelantado for individuals with reduced mobility. A quiet section of the parade will also be designated (Nava and Grimón Street, from Plaza del Cristo to Pedro Pinto de la Rosa Street) to enhance the experience for those with autism spectrum disorder or other sensitivities.
To conclude this Twelfth Night celebration, there will be live performances starting at 10:30 p.m. on the Plaza de La Navidad stage, featuring groups such as Amistades Peligrosas and Soul Sanet.