Three Kings in Mallorca: Palma’s Boat Arrival & Island Parades
Cabalgata de Reyes in Palma & Beyond (what to expect)
January 5 is one of Mallorca’s biggest family nights. In Palma, the Three Kings traditionally arrive by boat at the harbour before leading a confetti-filled parade through the city towards the Cathedral area. Across the island, towns and villages host their own Cabalgata with floats, music, and generous sweet-throwing—magic for kids and a beloved local tradition.
🎭 What Happens on the Night
- Arrival & Start: In Palma the Kings make a ceremonial harbour arrival before the parade sets off into the city centre. Towns without harbours begin directly from a main road or sports ground.
- Floats & Bands: Expect themed floats, drummers, dancers, and troupes in period costumes.
- Sweets for the crowd: Marshals keep things moving while volunteers toss sweets—bring a small tote for kids.
- Royal greeting & finish: In Palma the route usually ends near the Cathedral / Parc de la Mar with a brief ceremony. Towns finish by the main square or town hall.
📅 Key Dates & Where to Go
- Date every year: Evening of January 5 (January 6 is a public holiday for family gift-giving).
- Palma focus: Harbour/Moll Vell → Born/Cathedral area (route varies year to year—confirm locally).
- Great towns for families: Port de Pollença, Alcúdia, Inca, Manacor, Artà, Sóller, Andratx —all run kid-friendly parades.
👨👩👧 Family Tips (quick wins)
- Timing: Arrive 45–60 minutes before the start for a good spot and loo breaks.
- Ear protection: Drums and sirens can be loud up close for toddlers.
- Meeting point: Choose a clear landmark in case you get separated (Born lions / Cathedral steps).
- Carry light: Small backpack, water, wipes, and a tote for sweets.
- Strollers: Stick to wider boulevards and avoid tight corners where crowds compress.
🗺️ Best Viewing Areas in Palma
- Harbour arrival (Moll Vell): Most atmosphere for the grand entrance.
- Passeig del Born: Wide, central, great for photos; can be busy.
- Avenida d’Antoni Maura / Parc de la Mar edge: Good visibility with Cathedral backdrops.
- Family fallback: One or two streets beyond the main axis—less crowded, easier exits.
🚍 Getting There & Around (compact, mobile-friendly)
| Topic | Details |
| From PMI | Taxi 15–25 min to central Palma; EMT buses serve harbour/Cathedral areas. |
| Within Palma | Walk the route; EMT adds services on main lines. Allow extra time for closures. |
| Parking | Park periphery (e.g., underground car parks) and walk 10–15 min to route. |
| Meet-ups | Pick a landmark (Born lions / Cathedral steps) before it gets crowded. |
| Cash/cards | Cards fine at cafés; bring small cash for kiosks/toys. |
🧭 Simple Night Plan (Palma)
- 17:00–18:00 Arrive, snack, and pick your viewing spot near Moll Vell or Passeig del Born.
- Parade time Enjoy floats and bands; keep kids just behind the barrier line for safety.
- Afterwards Warm up with hot chocolate or a light dinner near the Old Town.
🍽️ Where to Eat (near the route)
- Old Town/Born: Pre-parade pizza/tapas works well for kids; reserve early.
- La Lonja/Marina side: Post-parade dinner close to the harbour.
🛏️ Stay Nearby (Palma & easy access)
- Old Town / La Lonja for walking distance to the route.
- Santa Catalina / Son Armadams for calmer nights and quick EMT links.
🛒 What to Bring
Light layers, comfy shoes, small tote for sweets, wipes/hand gel, ear defenders for little ones, and a portable phone battery.
🧑🤝🧑 Accessibility Notes
- Most main viewing zones are flat; kerbs can be crowded.
- Arrive early for barrier-front spots; ask marshals about wheelchair areas.
- Public toilets are limited—use cafés before the start.
📌 Town-by-Town Snapshot
| Town | Vibe | Good to Know |
| Port de Pollença | Seafront arrival + family crowd | Wide promenade, easy with strollers |
| Alcúdia (Old Town) | Historic streets, cosy feel | Arrive early—streets narrow |
| Inca | Big inland parade | Good train links from Palma |
| Manacor | Local, lively | Multiple viewing squares |
| Sóller | Tram & harbour backdrops | Scenic, can be breezy |
❓ FAQ
What time does the Palma parade start?
Start times vary slightly each year and by location. Plan to arrive an hour early and confirm the schedule on the official Palma events page close to the date.
Is it suitable for very young kids?
Yes—with a few tweaks. Choose wider viewing areas, bring ear protection, and avoid tight corners where crowds compress. A lightweight stroller is useful.
Do other towns have parades on the same night?
Yes—most Mallorcan towns run their Cabalgata on January 5. If you’re staying outside Palma, check your local town hall agenda for route and times.
🔎 Practical Reminders
- Streets close progressively—follow marshals and use side streets to move around.
- Keep sweets sealed for later; little hands + cobbles = sticky quickly.
- January evenings are crisp—bring layers and a thin scarf.
🔗 Related Guides from Palma Weekly
