During the second fortnight of December and through 6 January, Vila-seca hosts its Christmas festivities and does so with an extremely varied schedule that ensures that all its residents will take part.
There are events for young and old alike, whether attending the different concerts or Christmas street markets or popular meals with the traditional ‘broth’ (filled with all types of meats and sausages and chicken and potatoes), or enjoying the different attractions and workshops at the Christmas children’s playground.
The traditional Bany de Sant Silvestre (a dip into the cold sea for good luck in the year to come) during the morning on the last day of the year on La Pineda Platja and, in the afternoon, the Gegants (giants) and Grallers (gralla or shawm players) head out to look for the Home dels Nassos (the mythical Catalan man of many noses) at the Vila-seca train station who, after the street parade, will give a talk filled with hope and enthusiasm from the balcony of the Casa Consistorial, or Town Hall.
On 5 January, the day most excitedly awaited by the town’s boys and girls, we welcome His Majesties the Magi from the East—or Three Wise Men—at the Vila-seca Castle with a light and music show. After holding the Adoration of Baby Jesus, the Kings are welcomed by government officials, who hand them the keys to the town.
Thus, Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar are the stars of the long-awaited Kings Cavalcade that travels through the streets of Vila-seca, La Pineda Platja and La Plana. They do it on horseback, handing out gifts to the children house by house, a tradition that would not be possible without the hard work of the Vila-seca Kings Association.
