The biblical Three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar arrive today onto the shores of Malvarrosa, at 5pm.

Journey of the Magi (1902) by James Tissot

Spanish tradition puts the three kings (Reyes Magos) into the role served by Santa Claus in the USA: bringing presents, treats and toys to children.

Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar arrive on a boat, and will be welcomed in a ceremony at the port, before being brought to Paseo Alameda. There, they’ll preside over a huge parade, slated for 6pm this afternoon.

The parade will take the kings down Alameda, over the Calatrava bridge, down C/ Paz, through the Plaza de la Reina, and eventually to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento, where they’ll be greeted at approximately 20h by Valencia’s mayor, Rita Barbará. It sounds as though it’s going to be an impressive parade, with over 40 floats, thousands of participants and the stated goal of “delighting children”.

Sorry about the late notice. I’m used to the Holidays ending on January 1st, and this event sneaked up on me!

Valencia is certainly beginning to make its presence felt in the world of sports. Following the America’s Cup and the Formula 1 race, the city now prepares to welcome a major ATP tennis tournament: The Valencia Open 500.

The tournament will take place in November 2009, in the Ciudad de las Artes y Ciencias. The most exciting thing is that the main court will be inside the (yet uncompleted) Agora — Calatrava’s latest insanely futuristic addition to CAC. Although the exact schedule and list of participating players is yet unknown, I’d expect it to be a relatively major tournament.

There’s more information at the tournament’s official site, as well as a great animation that details where the different courts will be and demonstrates how the Agora opens — something I hadn’t yet seen. If you’re a fan of tennis, this is going to be a must-see event.

New Year’s Day Mascleta Valencia from Valencia Blog on Vimeo.

What a way to start the new year. Now there is nothing to look forward to since this was the biggest Mascletà of the upcoming year.

We love Mascletàs but we would like to know what you think? Please comment.

According to Levante, the New Year’s mascletà is going to be the biggest of the entire year, including those of Fallas.

Ummm…. ….

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… sorry, just thinking of the appropriate response…

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Deafening, pointless noise fireworks! I love it. This mascletà will be taking place at 2pm in the Paseo de la Alameda (the huge boulevard on the northern side of the Turia riverbed), rather than the Ayuntamiento. Be there!

Source: Levante

Man, I can’t believe 2008 is already coming to an end. In February, we moved to Valencia from Western Ireland, exchanging one the Europe’s worst climates for one of its best. We experienced our first Fallas celebration in March, and during the summer hosted a ton of friends and family, who were eager to explore Valencia and see if it was as great as we kept saying. (It was)

We thought we’d say goodbye to our first year in Valencia, by taking a look back at our favorite posts. Hope you all enjoy a fun & safe Nochevieja!

1) ¡Despertà, Valencia! - February 24th
At 7:30am, I shot out of bed and looked around frantically for a bible, certain that Armageddon was upon us…

2) Sueca - Street of Lights - March 15th
Part of Fallas is the annual competition of lights, and traditionally Calle Sueca in Russafa carries off the prize…

3) City on Fire - Valencia’s Cremà - March 20th
Last night, more than 750 monuments were burned during La Cremà — the fiery, official end to the Fallas celebrations…

4) Explore Valencia’s Harbour - September 5th
Taking a walk at the harbor is a must when visiting Valencia. Preferably when it’s not too hot, and right before sunset…

5) First Visit to the BioParc (Valencia Zoo) - February 28th
This morning, we took the first of what will likely be many trips to Valencia’s brand new zoo, the BioParc…

6) Last Mascletà - Fallas 2008 - March 19th
This is the craziest thing I have seen - Best Mascletà Ever! I couldn’t even hold the camera still…

7) The Traslado of the Virgin de los Desamparados - May 23rd
One of the most insane religious gatherings I’ve ever seen…

8) Bullfight Valencia: Matador gets gored - March 17th
Yesterday, we went to the bullfights in the Plaza de Toros. Towards the end of the very first fight, a cocky matador named “El Califa” tried and failed to finish his bull off…

9) Wine Festival: Heaven on Earth? - April 4th
Hundreds of people milling about, providing an atmosphere which starts good and gets better as everyone gets more and more drunk…

10) Ballroom Dancing in the Pl. de la Virgen - July 21st
Anyone who’s bored in Valencia is simply not trying…

Whew! It was really a full year, and we’re looking forward to an awesome 2009. Hope you’ve enjoyed the blog so far!

Unlike in either of our home countries (Germany and the USA), New Year’s Eve isn’t an excuse for massive parties here in Spain. Most Spaniards celebrate the turning of the year, called Nochevieja, in their homes or restaurants. There are no public fireworks displays as the clock strikes midnight, at least here in Valencia.

But, that’s not to say that the holiday is without tradition. The Spanish custom is to eat grapes with the gongs of the bell. One grape for each bell. This is a tradition followed all throughout the country. And of course, cava (sparkling wine) will be consumed in large quantities throughout the night.

In Valencia, there will be people celebrating in the Plaza de Ayuntamiento at midnight, if you’re looking for a public place to go ring in the New Year. Just don’t forget to bring grapes!