How horses and ponies celebrate the festive season across the globe
Christmas looks different all around the world, and horses and ponies play special roles in many festive celebrations! From snowy Austria’s magical parades to Poland’s ancient traditions, horses have been part of winter celebrations for centuries. Let’s take a journey around the globe to discover how different countries include their four-legged friends in the holiday season.
Spain: The Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes)
While many countries celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December, in Spain, the biggest celebration happens on January 6th – Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes). This is when Spanish children receive their main Christmas gifts, and the celebration includes one of the most spectacular horse parades in the world.
On the evening of January 5th, cities and towns across Spain host elaborate parades called the Cabalgata de Reyes. The Three Kings (also known as the Three Wise Men) ride through the streets on beautifully dressed horses or in ornate carriages pulled by horses. The kings throw sweets to children lining the streets, and the whole event is magical. The horses wear elaborate decorations – colourful ribbons braided into their manes and tails, glittering bridles, and festive blankets. Some horses even have their hooves painted with special, safe, temporary colours!
The horses chosen for these parades are carefully selected for their calm temperaments. They need to be comfortable with crowds, bright lights and loud music. In the weeks before the parade, the horses go through gentle training to make sure they’re happy and confident during the event. Their welfare is taken very seriously – the parades have veterinary staff on standby, and horses are given regular breaks, access to water, and quiet spaces if they need them.
In some Spanish regions, particularly in Andalusia, the parades also feature displays of classical Spanish riding. Riders in traditional costume perform dressage movements and formations, showcasing the incredible partnership between horse and rider.
After the parade, it’s tradition for children to leave out food for the kings and their horses. While the kings get turron (a special Spanish nougat), the horses receive carrots, apples, and hay. Children also leave water buckets by their doors, believing that the kings’ horses will drink from them. In the morning, finding the water bucket empty is a sign that the kings and their horses have visited!
