In Catalonia, the arrival of the Royal Page is one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the Christmas season. This emblematic figure, representative of the Three Wise Men, becomes the magical bridge between the youngest members of the household and their Majesties from the East, collecting the letters full of illusions and faithfully passing them on.
The history of the Royal Page has deep roots in Catalan culture, linked to the ancestral worship of the Three Wise Men. From parades to visits in squares, his figure symbolises the imminent arrival of the Three Wise Men and the culmination of the Christmas celebrations.
In this blog, we will explore how the arrival of the Royal Page is celebrated in different corners of Catalonia. To help you reach destinations such as Barcelona and Costa Dorada, Shuttle2Sun offers low-cost and sustainable shared transfer services and private transfer services from Barcelona Airport, Barcelona Port, Reus Airport, Girona Airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
The Royal Page: a link between children and the Three Wise Men
The tradition of the Royal Page is one of the most magical and beloved Christmas customs in Catalonia. This figure, who acts as a messenger for the Three Wise Men, is responsible for collecting the letters full of wishes from the little ones and passing them on to Melchior, Gaspar and Balthazar before the long-awaited night of the 5th of January. His presence is a symbol of a direct connection with the Three Wise Men and of the imminent arrival of gifts and surprises for everyone.
The origin of this tradition goes back centuries, when the aim was to reinforce the magic of Three Kings Day with the active participation of children. The figure of the Royal Page began as an added element to the parades, but over time it gained its own prominence, becoming a character that appears days before the arrival of the Three Wise Men.
Beyond the collection of letters, the Royal Page represents the illusion and active waiting of the children, who not only deliver their wishes, but also have the opportunity to interact with him. This moment is magical, as the children feel that their dreams are being heard directly. In addition, in several cities, the Royal Pages are accompanied by festive entourages that enrich the experience, with shows, workshops and children’s activities designed to keep the tradition and the Christmas spirit alive.
An interesting aspect of this tradition is its link to children’s behaviour throughout the year. For generations, children have been reminded that behaving well is essential to receive the coveted presents, while those who did not, risked receiving coal as a punishment. However, this practice has evolved over time, taking a more positive approach. Today, the sweet coal, an edible and fun version, has become a gentler reminder.
Gift warehouses
Behind the magical night of the 5th of January, when the Three Wise Men deliver gifts to millions of children, is the painstaking and charming work that goes on in the Royal Warehouses.
In Barcelona, the Toy Factory at Fabra i Coats is a highlight where magic comes to life. This space, transformed especially for the occasion, shows how the pages and helpers make toys, pack presents and manage the organisation of the millions of letters that arrive each year. Through interactive tours, children can actively participate, discovering how wishes are turned into gifts, reinforcing the spirit of tradition and creating unforgettable memories.
In Tarragona, the Royal Warehouse has also become an obligatory stop for those who wish to immerse themselves in the magic prior to the arrival of the Three Wise Men. During the visit, visitors can see how the pages work in an atmosphere full of mystery and charm, with mountains of packages and letters that make the approach of the night of the Three Wise Men palpable.
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The Royal Camps
The Royal Camps are a meeting point full of magic and tradition that allows families to get close to the heart of the organisation prior to the great night of the Three Wise Men. In these spaces, children have the opportunity to deliver their letters personally to the Royal Pages and take part in activities that foster the excitement and emotion of these dates.
In Reus, the Royal Camp is set up in the emblematic Plaça de la Llibertat until the 4th of January, all day long. This camp is characterised by its festive atmosphere, with spectacular decorations, music and details that transport visitors to the magical world of the Three Wise Men.
Cambrils also joins in this tradition with its own Royal Camp, which is organised in two key locations: Plaça de la Vila and Plaça Mossèn Joan Batalla, where the royal postmen collect letters on the 2nd of January. But the magic doesn’t end there. During the parade on the 5th of January, the pages and the Three Wise Men themselves receive the letters directly from the hands of the children, creating a unique moment full of emotion that marks the start of the most eagerly awaited night of the year.
In Barcelona there are also several royal camps and letter collection points in different districts of the city, such as Poblenou, Les Corts, Ciutat Vella, Sants-Montjuïc and L’Eixample.
Visits and Parades of the Royal Pages
In Vila-seca, on the afternoon of the 5th of January, a parade takes place through the main streets of the town, culminating at the Castle, where a representation of the Adoration of the Christ Child is performed. Finally, in Salou, the royal pages spend several days interacting with the children and their families. From the 2nd to 4th of January, they will visit the ‘Estació del Carrilet’ Children’s Space; and on the 2nd and 3rd of January, the pages will be seen at the Christmas Park.
Discover this endearing Christmas tradition by travelling to your favourite destination. Shuttle2Sun offers its shared transfer services and private transfer services, low-cost and sustainable, from Barcelona airport, Barcelona port, Reus airport, Girona airport and Camp de Tarragona AVE train station.
