The mayor of Jaén has officially welcomed the newly formed Reyes Magos Association, which aims to preserve and promote one of the city's most beloved traditions. The announcement was made during a ceremony held in the Mudéjar Hall of the Condestable Iranzo Municipal Palace, attended by various local officials and members of the community.
María Espejo, the deputy mayor and councillor for Culture and Tourism, emphasised the association's mission to embody the values of humility, generosity, perseverance, and unity associated with the Reyes Magos, or Three Wise Men, beyond just the Day of Kings and its parade. She expressed her congratulations to the association, noting that its establishment is the culmination of months of discussions and planning.
In her speech, Espejo announced that, for the first time, Jaén will introduce the figure of a Royal Herald, a traditional and symbolic role linked to the Epiphany celebrations. This herald will engage with the community through various activities, including parades leading up to the Day of Kings, where they will officially receive the keys to the city and collect letters from children.
Borja Díaz, president of the Reyes Magos Association, expressed gratitude to the founding members and highlighted that the association is open to all who wish to participate. He explained that the association was born from a gathering of individuals who wanted to extend the magic of the Reyes beyond a single night.
The association has been structured into three main areas: 'La escuela de Oriente', focusing on education and learning; 'La ciudad de la Ilusión', which aims to bring hope to vulnerable populations; and 'El Rincón de la Magia', a playful space designed to foster creativity and community engagement. Díaz also announced a new initiative called 'Rumbo a Belén', a festive outdoor event intended to kick off the Christmas season with workshops and performances.
The Reyes Magos parade will commence from the Provincial Museum and culminate at the Cultural Palace, where local authorities will symbolically hand over the keys to the city on 5 January. The selection of the Royal Herald and accompanying Bedouins will be open to the public, with details to be announced on social media.
In closing, Díaz thanked the Junta de Andalucía, the Provincial Council, the City Council of Jaén, and Caja Rural for their support in making this association a reality, as well as the María Santísima de la Estrella Youth Musical Group for their collaboration during the presentation event.
