Bearing Christmas cheer but no sweets, the Three Wise Men return to Madrid

Children react as they see Gaspar, one of the Three Wise Men, during the annual Epiphany parade amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) surge in Madrid, Spain, January 5, 2022. REUTERS/Susana Vera

MADRID (Reuters) - Flanked by dancers and live camels the Three Wise Men paraded down Madrid's central avenue atop glittering floats on Wednesday evening as traditional Epiphany celebrations returned - with restrictions - after last year's COVID-19 cancellations.

Most Spanish children receive their Christmas presents on Jan. 6, the day when Melchior, Balthazar and Caspar are said to have visited the infant Christ with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.