Santillana del Mar to Celebrate Traditional Cabalgata de Reyes with Over 500 Participants

This Sunday, January 5, 2025, the charming town of Santillana del Mar in Cantabria, Spain, will come alive with its traditional Auto Sacramental and Cabalgata de Reyes Magos, a spectacle that has been a cornerstone of the town's cultural heritage for over six decades.

A Rich History and National Recognition

The Cabalgata de Reyes in Santillana del Mar has a storied history, dating back to 1959. This annual event has grown in prominence over the years, earning the distinction of Fiesta de Interés Turístico Regional in 1993 and later being declared a Fiesta de Interés Turístico Nacional in 2009. This national recognition underscores the event's significance and appeal to both locals and tourists.

The Grand Celebration

This year's celebration will feature more than 500 participants, transforming the picturesque Romanesque town into a vibrant stage that recounts the birth of Jesus and the arrival of the Three Wise Men, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar. The main roles are exclusively played by residents of the municipality, although people from neighboring towns also participate in various capacities.

Detailed Program and Scenic Settings

The event is meticulously organized by the Asociación Cabalgata de Reyes and the local Ayuntamiento. It will unfold across 14 scenes spread throughout the town, starting at 17:20 hours and concluding at 21:30 hours.

The first scene, the Anunciación del Ángel San Gabriel, will take place in the Plaza del Abad Francisco Navarro.
This will be followed by the Edicto Romano procession through the town's streets.
Key scenes include the encounter of San José and the Virgin Mary at the carpentry, their journey to the portal of Belén, and the meeting with the Mesonero in the calle Santo Domingo.
One of the most iconic scenes is the Anunciación del Ángel to the shepherds and washerwomen in the Plaza de la Colegiata at 19:00 hours.
The Adoración de los Pastores al niño Jesús will follow in the Plaza Mayor at 19:15 hours.
The Emisario Real will arrive at the town just before 20:00 hours, marking the beginning of the Cabalgata proper with the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
The final scene will feature the adoration of the Three Wise Men to the baby Jesus in the Plaza Mayor, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display.

Additional Highlights

The procession will include 5 elaborate carriages, 20 horses, and 10 ponies, with the Three Wise Men arriving on majestic camels accompanied by a representation of local fauna. The event will also feature live music, enhanced lighting, and a vibrant atmosphere that has been refined over the years.

Recommendations for Attendees

The Ayuntamiento has issued several recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. These include maintaining the required distance during each scene, avoiding interaction with the horses and participants, and adhering to the guidelines set by Protección Civil and the event organizers.

Santillana del Mar's Cabalgata de Reyes is a must-see event for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Spanish culture and tradition. With its rich history, detailed reenactments, and festive atmosphere, it promises to be an unforgettable experience for both locals and visitors.