Delete
The Three Wise Men distribute gifts to the little ones in Llocnou de la Corona. JLBORT
A Parade with an Alicante Touch to Bring Smiles Back to the Zero Zone of the Dana

A Parade with an Alicante Touch to Bring Smiles Back to the Zero Zone of the Dana

Southern towns enjoy the visit of Their Majesties thanks to the parade organised by the Chambers of Commerce of the Comunitat, led by the Chamber of Alicante.

Gonzalo Bosch

Valencia

Lunes, 6 de enero 2025, 08:20

Excitement, colour, sweets, and smiles. The streets of the southern towns were once again filled with joy thanks to the magic of the Three Wise Men. Their Majesties visited Llocnou de la Corona, Sedaví, Benetússer, Alfafar, Massanassa, Catarroja, and Albal yesterday afternoon. The most special parade. These towns have suffered a historic tragedy, and the magic of Christmas allowed tens of thousands of citizens to disconnect after their municipality was devastated by the flood on October 29. However, not everything was perfect. A few initial mishaps did not overshadow an evening that brightened Christmas for many affected citizens.

The parade became a reality thanks to the Chambers of Commerce of the Comunitat, which collaborated with the Generalitat and the municipalities of these towns to make the event possible. "All resources are focused on the emergency, and this solidarity to fill our streets with magic is a true gift," stated the mayor of Catarroja, Lorena Silvent, visibly moved knowing her citizens would have a parade. "The Chambers of Commerce have been collaborating all this time in the affected towns and coordinated with the Generalitat to ensure they also had a parade," assured José Vicente Morata, president of the Chamber of Commerce of Valencia, who emphasized that "the best way to help is to support the small businesses that have suffered from the dana. The Chambers will continue to support all these businesses."

Meanwhile, the president of the Chamber of Alicante, Carlos Baño, stated that the parade aimed to "lend a hand to the people who have suffered so much. First a pandemic, and now a dana. We brought our grapes, toys, chocolates from Alicante, and got to work to bring them here," and assured that "if people fear we will forget them, that will not happen, which is why I commit to returning next year and celebrating another magical Three Wise Men parade."

With a 50-minute delay, the parade began at around 17:10 through the few streets that make up Llocnou de la Corona. There, the contrast between the joy of families seeing the Wise Men and the devastation of some basements, cars, and mud highlighted how special, necessary, and emotional this parade would be for those affected by the dana. Among the entourage accompanying Their Majesties, the military also paraded. Children and families waved, smiled, and thanked them for their presence in Valencia. They continue to work daily to lift their towns out of the emergency.

Upon leaving Llocnou, the first incident of the afternoon occurred. The first float distributing sweets collided with the facade of a building while attempting a very tight turn. After a 20-minute pause, the parade managed to resume, not without suffering a second hit, this time with a poorly parked car that ended up with a damaged front. It was a solidarity parade with a route being carried out for the first time, so it was not without minor inconveniences.

Related news

Despite the challenging passage of the parade through Llocnou and its consequent delay, the march finally reached Sedaví. There, hundreds of families danced and sang carols with the music band that added the most festive touch to the event. Songs by Miliki, 'La Gallina Turuleta' and other hits got everyone dancing. It was immensely joyful to see those affected by the flood enjoy such an exciting evening. The leading float occasionally released smoke-filled bubbles, a real attraction for the little ones, but especially for their parents. Smiling, happy. The parade's objective was fulfilled.

The Three Wise Men, as they passed through each town, descended from their carriages to say a few words to the families gathered to celebrate the Royal visit. One of the floats, equipped with an artificial snow machine, filled the square of Sedaví, the town hall's seat, with a huge simulation of the winter storm. The children, thrilled, laughed heartily while playing with the snow, collecting sweets, and showing them excitedly to their families. There's nothing more beautiful than seeing a child's face filled with wonder, except perhaps the visibly moved faces of their parents watching their little one enjoy.

As in all parades, the entourage entertained themselves with the numerous improvised challenges often devised from the floats. Some children played at throwing sweets through the open windows and balconies of the neighbours. Others, melted by the tenderness of seeing the little ones happy, sought to win their favour by bribing them with sweets. For a few hours, the resignation on the faces of the people who have invaded Alfafar, Benetússer, and other municipalities after the dana turned into immense joy. Receiving sweets from those soldiers who were cleaning streets in the morning was another symbol of what this parade meant.

Publicidad

Publicidad

Publicidad

Publicidad

Esta funcionalidad es exclusiva para registrados.

Reporta un error en esta noticia

* Campos obligatorios

todoalicante A Parade with an Alicante Touch to Bring Smiles Back to the Zero Zone of the Dana