Festival of Kings (Día de Reyes Parade)

About

The Festival of Kings (Cabalgata de Reyes) is Bogotá's magical Three Kings Day celebration that brings the biblical story to life with spectacular parades, costumed characters, and festive street performances. This beloved Colombian tradition transforms the city's main streets into a colorful procession where children delight in seeing the Three Wise Men on horseback, elaborate floats, and receiving small gifts and candies. It's an authentic cultural experience that combines religious tradition with joyful family entertainment in a uniquely Colombian celebration that differs from typical Christmas festivities.

What to Expect

Families will experience a vibrant street parade featuring the Three Kings (Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar) on horseback or elaborate floats, accompanied by live music, traditional dancers, and performers in biblical costumes. The parade route winds through Centro Histórico and northern Bogotá neighborhoods with thousands of locals lining the streets in a festive, community atmosphere. Children can expect candy and small toys tossed from floats, street vendors selling treats and toys, and complementary activities like face painting, balloon artists, and photo opportunities with costumed characters at designated festival zones along the route.

Highlights for Kids

• Seeing the Three Kings in elaborate costumes on horseback or magnificent floats, making the biblical story tangible and exciting
• Catching candies, small toys, and treats thrown from parade floats—a highlight that keeps kids engaged throughout
• Live traditional Colombian music and dance performances including cumbia and vallenato that create an infectious festive energy
• Interacting with performers in colorful costumes representing angels, shepherds, and biblical characters who walk among the crowds
• Experiencing an authentic Colombian family tradition that offers cultural immersion beyond typical tourist activities

Pro Tips for Families

1. Arrive at least 90 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot along the parade route, especially near Parque de la 93 or Zona Rosa in northern Bogotá where crowds are more manageable than in Centro Histórico
2. Bring a large bag or backpack for collecting candies and small toys thrown from floats—kids love gathering these treasures and it becomes part of the adventure
3. Download the TransMilenio app and use Bogotá's rapid bus system to avoid traffic congestion, as many streets close for the parade; stations near Calle 100 or Calle 85 provide good access to northern parade zones
4. Book accommodations in Zona Rosa or Usaquén neighborhoods for easier access to family-friendly parade viewing areas and quick retreat options if little ones get tired

Best Time to Visit

Arrive between 2:00-3:00 PM for the best experience, as the parade typically begins around 4:00-5:00 PM and continues into early evening. The afternoon start allows families to secure viewing spots without waiting all day, and the festive atmosphere builds as sunset approaches. If attending with very young children, position yourself near the parade's starting point for easier exit options, while older kids can handle staying for the full route which passes through different neighborhoods over 3-4 hours.

Food & Drinks

Street vendors line the parade route selling traditional Colombian snacks like empanadas, arepas, buñuelos (cheese fritters), and natilla (custard dessert) alongside kid-favorites like cotton candy, popcorn, and fresh fruit cups. Food trucks and carts offer hot chocolate (chocolate santafereño), fresh juices, and sodas at reasonable prices ($1-3 USD per item). For sit-down meals, arrive early to eat at restaurants in Zona Rosa or Usaquén before the parade, or plan for post-parade dining as many establishments stay open late during the festival. Bring water bottles and small snacks for young children, as lines at vendors can be long during peak parade times.

Parking & Access

Public transportation is strongly recommended as street closures make driving difficult; use TransMilenio (Bogotá's BRT system) to stations like Calle 100, Virrey, or Calle 85, with fares around $0.80 USD per ride. If driving, park at shopping centers like Centro Comercial Andino or Unicentro in northern Bogotá and walk or take short taxi rides to the parade route. Stroller accessibility is challenging due to dense crowds—baby carriers or toddler backpacks work better for navigating the event. Taxis and Uber function normally in areas away from parade closures; negotiate taxi fares before departing or use the meter. Consider staying within walking distance of the northern parade route for easiest access with children.