In many Spanish families, children receive presents from the Three Kings on Epiphany, Jan. 6, rather than from Santa on Christmas Day. The night before, towns across Spain celebrate with parades re-enacting the Magi’s journey to Bethlehem, when actors portraying the wise men are often accompanied by camels. The animals are a much-loved part of the tradition, and children often leave carrots out for them in their homes, just as they do for Santa’s reindeer. But if camels make an appearance on Spanish streets just one day a year, where are they the rest of the time? AP video by Serge Cartwright
Meet the camels that take part in Spain’s festive Three Kings tradition
In many Spanish families, children receive presents from the Three Kings on Epiphany, Jan. 6, rather than from Santa on Christmas Day. The night before, towns across Spain celebrate with parades re-enacting the Magi’s journey to Bethlehem, when actors portraying the wise men are often accompanied by camels. The animals are a much-loved part of the tradition, and children often leave carrots out for them in their homes, just as they do for Santa’s reindeer. But if camels make an appearance on Spanish streets just one day a year, where are they the rest of the time? AP video by Serge Cartwright