The city of Morelia, Michoacán, transformed into a stage of magic and tradition on the night of Monday, January 5, with the holding of the traditional Three Kings Parade 2026 which, for nearly three decades, is organized jointly by the Archdiocese of Morelia and the municipal government, the event brought together thousands of families who crowded the streets of the Historic Center to welcome Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar. The presence of the municipal president, engineer Alfonso Martínez Alcázar, Archbishop Carlos Garfias Merlos, and Coadjutor Archbishop Armando Álvarez Cano, elevated the event to a symbol of community unity and faith, attracting more than 50,000 attendees according to preliminary estimates from the authorities.
The parade, which began around 6:00 p.m., departed from the Sanctuary of the Child of Health, located on Acueducto Avenue, an emblematic site that marks the start of the route toward the heart of the city. Prior to the start, a special mass was celebrated in the sanctuary, officiated by ecclesiastical representatives, where the message of hope and generosity inherent to the Epiphany was emphasized. From there, the procession advanced with a display of illuminated floats, musical bands, and groups of folk dancers, representing biblical scenes from the journey of the Three Wise Men to the manger in Bethlehem. The three sages, adorned in resplendent robes and golden crowns, rode mechanical camels decorated with LED lights, tossing candies and small toys to the enthusiastic crowd.
The highlight of the route was Francisco I. Madero Avenue, the main and tourist artery of Morelia, known for its rich colonial heritage. This avenue, flanked by historic pink sandstone buildings illuminated with soft lanterns, became a magical corridor under the starry sky. The avenue, which stretches from the Aqueduct to the Plaza de Armas, measures approximately 2 kilometers in its central section and was closed to vehicular traffic to allow for the installation of stages and giant screens. Entire families lined the sidewalks, waving flags and balloons, while children with letters in hand shouted with excitement as the floats passed by.
At the intersection of Madero and Abasolo, the main stage was erected, where the Three Wise Men symbolically received the keys to the city from municipal president Alfonso Martínez Alcázar. «Thank you for supporting the magic and illusion of all our children,» expressed Martínez Alcázar in a brief greeting, highlighting the collaboration between the local government and the Church to preserve this tradition that fosters family values. Madero Avenue, with its Baroque and Neoclassical architecture—including palaces like the Government Palace and century-old shops—provided a perfect backdrop. The special lighting, with LED garlands in the shape of stars and nativity scenes, created a mystical atmosphere, while wind bands performed carols such as «The Three Wise Men» and «Silent Night.» The passage of the parade through this section lasted about an hour, with intermittent stops for the kings to interact with the public, receiving wish letters that they deposited in decorated mailboxes.
Upon arriving at the Plaza de Armas around 7:45 p.m., the parade culminated in front of the imposing Cathedral of Morelia. There, Archbishop Carlos Garfias Merlos delivered an emotional welcome speech, blending spiritual elements with calls for solidarity. «Good evening, holy wise kings, Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltazar. Thank you for visiting these Michoacán lands once again,» began Garfias, also greeting the municipal president and Coadjutor Archbishop Armando Álvarez Cano. In his address, he evoked the joy of Jesus’ birth and the presence of the kings as ambassadors of peace: «Your presence brings us the peace so desired by all because you are ambassadors of peace and love. Invited by God to bring joy to all children, especially the poorest, sick, and homeless.» He asked them to bring «love, unity, joy, and happiness to all homes; peace, justice, and well-being to our society,» and to carry the community’s supplications to God.
The event continued with the blessing of the Baby Jesus, the distribution of a giant Three Kings’ cake, and a fireworks show. This parade not only celebrates the Epiphany but also strengthens the social fabric of Morelia, a city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In a year marked by economic challenges, the event reminded us of the importance of generosity and faith, leaving children with dreams of gifts exchanging their letters for presents. It concluded around 9:00 p.m., leaving the streets of Madero echoing with extended echoes of Christmas joy.