1 The Three Kings Parades in Spain
In Spain, Epiphany is a real treat for all ages: lively Three Kings parades are organized and bring Christmas gifts to well-behaved children. You’ll often find sweets and drinks left outside doors for the Kings to enjoy on their journey, as well as a shoe where the three kings can place their long-awaited presents.
- 1 The Three Kings Parades in Spain
- 2 Denmark: winter chill and festive treats
- 3 Young Kings parading through Hungary
- 4 Janeiras: carols in Portugal
- 5 Malta: nativity scenes and concerts
- 6 France and Belgium: enjoy the Galette de rois
- 7 Czech Republic: children, sweets and cookies
- 8 United Kingdom: Twelfth Night and the holly spirits
- 9 Greece: blessing the waters to ward off evil spirits
- 10 Germany: Epiphany blessings for houses
- 11 Ireland: Women’s Christmas
- 12 Netherlands: festive atmosphere
2 Denmark: winter chill and festive treats
If you don’t mind the cold, take the chance to fly to Denmark and soak up the holiday spirit by tasting traditional Christmas treats like vanilla pebbernødder cookies, fried klejner, honey pastries, and rum balls.
3 Young Kings parading through Hungary
In Hungary for Epiphany, you’ll spot young children dressed as Gaspar, Melchior, and Balthazar roaming the streets. On January 6th, they go from door to door with a nativity scene, hoping for coins in exchange for their festive cheer.
4 Janeiras: carols in Portugal
Ready to sing and dance? In Portugal, Epiphany is called “Dia de Reis” or “Day of the Kings” and marks the end of the holiday season. Traditional “Janeiras” carols are performed in the streets or churches to wish everyone a Happy New Year.
5 Malta: nativity scenes and concerts
Concerts, shows, and artistic nativity scenes—Malta offers plenty of events you won’t want to miss to fully enjoy the final days of the festive season!
6 France and Belgium: enjoy the Galette de rois
If you’re in France or Belgium on January 6th, make sure to try the Galette de rois—a delicious almond cake with a hidden bean inside. Whoever finds the bean becomes king or queen for the day.
7 Czech Republic: children, sweets and cookies
Epiphany doesn’t just mark the end of Christmas, but also the start of Carnival season. In the Czech Republic, children dress as the Three Kings and go from house to house in their neighborhoods, spreading joy and collecting sweets and cookies in return.
8 United Kingdom: Twelfth Night and the holly spirits
In the United Kingdom, the saying goes, “Epiphany takes away all the holidays.” January 6th is known as Twelfth Night. Legend has it that mischievous spirits hiding in the holly awaken on this night to play pranks!
9 Greece: blessing the waters to ward off evil spirits
In Greece, Epiphany is a major religious celebration marking the baptism of Jesus. On this occasion the waters are blessed and purified to drive away evil spirits.
10 Germany: Epiphany blessings for houses
In Germany, Epiphany features the blessing of homes: right after Mass, priests visit homes, sing traditional songs and collect donations. Children mark the doorways with chalk to signify the blessing has taken place.
11 Ireland: Women’s Christmas
In Ireland, Epiphany is especially for women. Called Nollaig na mBean in Irish Gaelic, or “Women’s Christmas,” it’s a day when women traditionally relax and socialize while husbands and children take down holiday decorations. Irish superstition says all decorations must be put away by January 6th, or bad luck may follow.
12 Netherlands: festive atmosphere
Epiphany isn’t widely celebrated in the Netherlands and January 6th is a normal working day. Still, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy Amsterdam while it’s still aglow with Christmas lights!
