The Alicante town of Alcoy will once again boast of horseback riding, the oldest in Spain. Specifically, it meets 136 editions distributing illusion among the smallest of the house, despite having been interrupted on several occasions, such as by the pandemic.
After a year without being able to carry out due to the pandemic, the parade will resume its usual route and will cross the streets of Alcoy this afternoon. It will start at 6:00 p.m. from the upper area of the town, at the beginning of Avenida Elx, and will end at around 10 pm at the end of Avenida del País Valencià.
Although this year the number of participants will be less, all those who collaborate must provide the vaccination certificate, wear a mask and may not have contact with the public who attends. Therefore, the children will not be able to give food to the pages or hugs and kisses as a symbol of gratitude as tradition dictates.
The parade normally captures the attention of the public for all the elements that it integrates and the music that accompanies them. It usually incorporates musicians, torchmen, shepherd boys and some pages who climb stairs to access the balconies of the houses and deliver gifts to the children. In addition, this event will have an added element as a final culmination: the match between Alcoyano and Real Madrid.
Why is it the oldest in Spain?
The origin of the Alcoy parade is located in 1885; However, there are documentary references dating back to year 1866. Although there is another parade of which it is believed that there are references to an earlier date, such as that of Barcelona, that of Alcoy is the oldest that is held continuously. Also, this event is declared Festival of National Tourist Interest since 2001.
Every year it attracts hundreds of tourists who want to experience the atmosphere of this centennial parade. Adults and children live this tradition year after year surrounded by illusion and a lot of magic before the most anticipated night of the month of January arrives.
Adoration of the Magi
When the Three Wise Men arrive at the Plaza de España they will head towards the Birth of the child Jesus and the moment of adoration will take place by throwing a fireworks castle. Due to the reduced capacity, this year only 1,240 people will be allowed access, they will have to show the COVID passport and that will be distributed by sectors. The tickets that were put on sale for free on Sunday, January 2, are nominative and each one has the name of the person who corresponds to it.
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