Welcome to January and the first Soltalk of 2024!

Just when you thought Christmas was over … those of us here in Spain have … Dia de los Reyes or Day of the Three Kings! Except it’s only good if you’re Spanish or have Spanish friends

and family as we Brits don’t give each other presents on Three Kings Day do we?

For those who don’t know, the Three Kings or wise men are referred to in Spanish as Los Reyes Magos – Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar. They play a similar role to Father Christmas. Spanish  children write letters to the Three Kings, who then bring the children presents on the night before, or on the morning of the Epiphany, January 6. They also appear on the Balcón de Europa on this day.

Dia de los Reyes is celebrated with a special cake called Roscón de Reyes (pictured) which resembles a jewelled crown and can contain plastic replicas of Baby Jesus, so be careful when biting into your slice! Whoever finds the toy is supposedly crowned king or queen of the party.

Well enjoy your cake if you have one, and enjoy this issue of Soltalk, there’s a lot to read!

SARAH BROOKES