[Gocamino] The Feast of the Kings

[Johnnie Walker]

Hi
 
Happy New year to all pilgrims everywhere.
 
Whilst on pilgrimage we often encounter fiestas held on the anniversary of a local saint. Or we may be lucky enough to be walking during Holy Week and Easter and may see the great processions of Semana Santa. Because few of us walk in winter perhaps the Feast of the Kings or Los Reyes held on the vigil of the Feast of the Epiphany will not be familiar. Some would argue this is the true Spanish Christmas when presents are exchanged and children put out their shoes for presents in the same way we would hang up stockings. If you have been "bad" in the last year you may get coal. Fortunately these days the shops sell candy coal!
 
I was in Seville for the Kings last week when I met some pilgrims leaving on the Via de la Plata and also encountered Don Juan of the Taberna Miama, himself one of the Kings of the Via de la Plata.
 
I've posted an account, photographs and slide show here: www.johnniewalker-santiago.blogspot.com
 
Best wishes to all for 2011
 
John