The enchantment of Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar illuminated the streets of Santa Cruz de Tenerife last night with their iconic parade, where children’s tales took centre stage in a vibrant procession filled with light and colour, moving swiftly by.
Countless children eagerly awaited along the route, as entire families crowded the pavements, flower beds, and walls. Parents held cameras in hand while lifting their children on shoulders to catch a glimpse of the Three Wise Men in the throng, who had earlier been welcomed at the stadium, Heliodoro Rodríguez López, hosting nearly 18,000 attendees. According to city council estimates, it is believed that over 250,000 individuals witnessed the parade along its entire route.
The procession commenced promptly at 7:00 p.m., departing from Belgium Avenue to the tune of the Unión y Amistad Band, accompanied by Mickey and Minnie. From there, the floats followed in succession, featuring over a thousand characters and performers from the realms of Christmas and tales, such as fairies, Christmas trees, gift boxes, letters to the Kings, crowns, butterflies, and snowflakes, among others. Live music groups enhanced the atmosphere with renditions of well-loved songs. Notably, the Sea Parade stood out, comprising vibrant inflatables representing various marine species.
Various moments from the Three Wise Men’s parade that graced the centre of Santa Cruz. Sergio Mendez
Various moments from the Three Wise Men’s parade that graced the centre of Santa Cruz. Sergio Mendez
Various moments from the parade of the Three Wise Men as it moved through the centre of Santa Cruz. Sergio Mendez
Various moments from the parade of the Three Wise Men as it moved through the centre of Santa Cruz. Sergio Mendez
Various moments from the parade of the Three Wise Men as it moved through the centre of Santa Cruz. Sergio Mendez
Various moments from the parade of the Three Wise Men as it moved through the centre of Santa Cruz. Sergio Mendez
Various moments from the parade of the Three Wise Men as it moved through the centre of Santa Cruz. Sergio Mendez
15 Floats
A total of 15 floats participated, featuring several dedicated to beloved children’s tales such as Toy Story, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Alice in Wonderland, among others. These floats showered the audience with confetti, soap bubbles, sparks, and streamers, much to the delight of onlookers and especially the children, who eagerly greeted and cheered for their favourite characters.
As anticipated, there was a float brimming with gifts as well as one carrying coal, which received predictable boos from the crowd. However, the floats of Melchior, Gaspar, and Baltasar attracted the most excitement. Accompanied by their respective entourages, they were welcomed with cheers and applause, amid clamours for even more sweets. This year, the pages of the Three Wise Men distributed a total of 2,500 kilos of candy throughout the route, all of which were gluten-free. Additionally, another 300 kilos of sugar-free and gluten-free treats, easily distinguished by their blue packaging, were included.
The parade culminated in the Plaza de España, where Their Majesties performed the traditional act of adoration of the Baby Jesus at the nativity scene set up there, before preparing to distribute gifts to all the households in Santa Cruz and the Canary Islands.
Throughout the parade, the municipal Fiestas department organised the fencing of areas where larger crowds typically gather. Furthermore, several seating areas were provided for spectators along the parade route. There was also a designated space for individuals with reduced mobility at the junction of Méndez Núñez and Pi y Margall streets, as well as in the Plaza de España during the event in front of the nativity scene.
Meanwhile, the segment between the junctions of Méndez Núñez with Numancia and El Pilar (in front of García Sanabria park) was equipped with sound mitigations for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
