Former Mallorca tennis world No. 1 Carlos Moyá took on the role of King Melchior as Palma celebrated its largest-ever Three Kings Parade, drawing thousands of children and families into the city centre for the traditional Epiphany festivities. Moyá arrived by sea aboard the Rafael Verdera alongside Gaspar and Baltasar, making landfall at Moll Vell after a brief pause in the rain that ensured the safety and enjoyment of the large crowds.
Carolina Cerezuela, Carlos Moya's wife, delighted in his appearance in the parade and joined hundreds of others and gave him a love-heart on the Bulletin's Instagram post below a picture of her husband.
She became famous playing Mónica Salazar in Camera Café, the Spanish spin-off of Caméra Café. In 2007, she appeared on the cover of the Spanish November edition of FHM.
Following their arrival, the Kings were greeted by city officials including Mayor Jaime Martínez, councillor Lourdes Roca and Balearic Port Authority president José Javier Sanz Fernández, who formally welcomed them to Palma and handed over the symbolic key to the city. From there, the procession began its journey through the historic centre, with crowds lining the streets to catch a glimpse of the royal visitors.
This year’s celebration set a new benchmark, featuring 22 floats and updated costumes in what became the longest Three Kings Parade ever staged in Palma. The route culminated at Plaza de Cort, where the Kings later appeared on the Town Hall balcony to address the public. One of the standout moments of the opening ceremony came when King Gaspar delivered a poetic message that was simultaneously translated into sign language, highlighting the event’s inclusive approach.
Inspired by the theme La llum d’Orient i els oficis d’arrel, the parade combined spectacle with local identity. Performers ranged from mounted police, musicians and traditional figures to roller skaters, singers and dancers. A series of floats paid tribute to Mallorcan crafts and festive customs, while family favourites included a float where children exchanged pacifiers for sweets and another depicting the thousands of letters sent to the Kings ahead of Epiphany.
Each of the Three Kings was accompanied by a colourful royal entourage reflecting different parts of the world, with music, acrobatics and elaborate costumes adding to the atmosphere. The evening ended with the traditional coal float, followed by a balcony appearance from Melchior, Gaspar and Baltasar to thank the crowd. Around 400 participants took part overall, and more than four tonnes of sweets were handed out, bringing the celebration to a joyful close.