Awaiting the Magic
Tonight is a magical night for children all over Spain. Tonight, while they're all abed, the three Magi will come and leave presents for them, just as they brought three special presents all the way from the Orient to Baby Jesus over two thousand years ago. That is the tradition. And just as a stocking is hung for Santa, shoes are left out for the Wise Men. Though most presents don't even fit under a tree nowadays, much less in a shoe. And this evening Their Majesties (for the Wise Men were Kings) will visit cities and towns where parades will be held, welcoming them and their helpers. Floats have been prepared ever since last summer in some cases, and they are ready to carry Melchor, Gaspar and Balthasar through the streets. Pages will collect letters from eager children wishing for special presents. The Magi will throw candy from the floats, trying to keep a rhythm so that the candy lasts through the last street. Some children will cry with fear, others will open their eye...