January

Día de los Reyes Magos

Sadly in Sagunto the cabalgata was canceled because of the rain. Normally the Reyes Magos would also have arrived in a boat at the port. They still did the “meeting” with the 3 kings, but it was inside in a theatre where 5 rounds of families coming in and out were organised from the casal jove. Nevertheless it was a very nice day with a lot of happy children!

When the children got up the stage to the Reyes Magos, they could give their letter with their wishes written in it to one of them and he would give the child a lot of sweets. For a lot of children they get even more presents on the día de los Reyes Magos than on Christmas.

At the casal jove we are already preparing for the next big event of february. The Mangetsu will teke place for a few days. It is similar to the Splash in November but only about mangas instead of comics.

I also experienced New Year in Valencia. Everybody was outside, walking in the streets and on small plazas dancing and singing (to christmas music still!). It was very lively and everyone was in a good mood. On the Plaza del Ayuntamiento the people gathered for midnight and the fireworks. At the twelve gongs, there is the spanish tradition of eating one grape at each gong. I found out it is nearly impossible, at least I didn’t get all twelve in my mouth before midnight! And afterwards a DJ played for the whole plaza!