This year, their majesties docked at the Plaça del Portal de la Pau aboard the Golondrina Maria del Carmen. The change of vessel, which breaks with the tradition of recent years, was made to pay “tribute to the memory of the city,” as explained by Page Gregori, on behalf of the Kings, and the Culture Councilor of Barcelona, Xavier Marcé.
The Golondrinas are emblematic tourist boats that have toured the coast of the Catalan capital since the Universal Exposition of 1888. These ships have been active for over a hundred years, and recently incorporated night routes for the first time in their history.
The pailebot Santa Eulàlia, which had been the chosen vessel previously, is part of the fleet of the Barcelona Maritime Museum. This historic sailboat, declared a Cultural Asset of National Interest (BCIN) by the Generalitat de Catalunya in 2011, is moored at the Moll de la Fusta.
“"The goodwill of Epiphany Eve must extend to the rest of the days, and children should make easy gestures like saying thank you or giving a hug, gifts that are not wrapped."
The Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, received Their Majesties and handed them the master key to the city, which opens all doors. King Melchior took the opportunity to ask children that goodwill extend beyond Epiphany Eve, while the Mayor called for an end to wars worldwide.
