Jan 6 is a holiday here – Los Reyes Mogos.  Translated into English –  “everything will be closed or have reduced hours”.  It didn’t stop many people,  including us, from being out and about on another sunny day.  No luck finding the stamp and mint museum (it likely would have been closed) so we settled for a beverage at Casa Carmencita.

“This mid 19th century taberna was famous in the early 1920s as a hangout of writers, artists and politicians.  Its wood façade, elegant tiling and gas lamps add to its character.”  The tile work was absolutely beautiful.   Dave noted that the garlic-infused green olives (we love the gratis snacks!) were the best he’d had.  (Kirken: you’d go nuts here!)  We hope to find a few more of the old taverns, especially the one frequented by Ernest Hemingway.

But wait – yesterday, Jan 5 was Cabalgata de Reyes.  Translated into English: HUGE Twelfth Night parade (semis pulling the floats) and crowds not to believed.  The parade started at 6:30 p.m. and it was 8:00 when it finally reached the end of the route, where we jostled for a viewing spot at the barrier.   Most of the people (us included) couldn’t actually see the parade so I surmise it’s just yet another excuse for kids to be out late!   We left after the first few floats, which were  very commercialized children’s characters, so guess we missed the ones that actually related to the religious meaning of the event, AND the fireworks.  This 2013 video. gives a flavor, as does this second shorter one.  Yup, we hit the jackpot and were here for the “biggest holiday in Spain”!  Cheers – Laura