We are in Barcelona jan 4 and 5 night ( fly out jan 6 morning) and trying to figure out whats the right location to look for an accomodation so we are easy walking distance from watching the parade and being in the happening places on jan5 evening . which is the best place to catch the parade since its 5 kms long route. reccos/advice appreciated
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Barcelona (Catalonia)
2942 posts
https://www.barcelona.cat/nadal/en/three-kings/three-kings-parade
https://beteve.cat/agenda/cavalcada-reis-barcelona-recorregut/ -this one is only in Catalan -the local language here in Catalonia- so use Google Translate.
Note there are, in fact, 19 parades, not just one, celebrated in different parts of the city. HOWEVER, you want to attend the biggest one -as it's the most spectacular, of course (https://beteve.cat/cultura/cavalcades-reis-barris-barcelona/).
As you'll see, the route for the biggest one is quite long so it doesn't really matter where you got to watch it, any stretch is perfect. If anything, I'd avoid the very beginning as it's bound to be more crowded. Most of my friends with kids tend to go to the stretch crossing l'Eixample district -very central. That would correspond to the stretch "ronda de Sant Pau - Mercat de Sant Antoni - carrer de Sepúlveda" in "Recorregut de la cavalcada de Reis 2024: què sabem?" here https://beteve.cat/agenda/cavalcada-reis-barcelona-recorregut/ Note that the schedules are approximate, being such a large parade (it's huge!), they always tend to run late.
Also, do visit the Fira de Reis located in Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes avenue, your kids will enjoy it: https://beteve.cat/agenda/fira-reis-gran-via-barcelona/
Regarding the Fabrica dels Reis Mags a Barcelona -the Three King's Factory in Barcelona, a sort of your version of "Santa-Claus-North-Pole-toy-factory"- unfortunately, there are no tickets left. This is an event that the City Hall prepares every year, tickets are free so they run out quickly, sorry. See https://beteve.cat/agenda/fabrica-reis-barcelona-fabra-coats/ and a short video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvpbqHBaBT0
A few more treats for the kids (and yourselves!):
- 31/dec https://www.barcelona.cat/nadal/en/new-years-bell-ringing. I know, you are not in town this day, but other members of the forum might.
- Ice rinks for kids during Xmas: https://barcelonacolours.com/en/5-ice-skating-rinks-in-barcelona/
- Not to be missed (albeit it's always packed to the rim!): https://barcelonacolours.com/en/kathe-wohlfahrt-barcelonas-christmas-store/
- https://elsllumsdesantpau.com/en/
- https://www.magic-world.es/en/
- Casa dels Entremesos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s1USGQbK3vs -free entrance. Info: https://www.barcelona.cat/culturapopular/en/cases-de-la-festa/what-are-festival-activities-centres/la-casa-dels-entremesos Open: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 1pm and 4pm to 7pm | Sundays 11am to 2pm. The visit will take less than 20 minutes. How they're "used" during parades in folk festivals across the year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRmoNSNEUFY
Enjoy!