La Marche des Rois

A long procession of costumed figures, little angels, shepherds, craftsmen of all trades, farmers and their animals before the Magi (three kings) and their three camels.

At various places in the city, the procession stops and the crowd sings traditional Christmas songs. There will be folk dance groups and many people in traditional Provencal style costume. In the cathedral, Aix children will give a show of singing, and the gifts will be presented to the infant in his crib. The three wise men (or Kings) come to worship the child Jesus and offer him gold, frankincense and myrrh.

The January 2017 programme is as follows:

• At 13.50, from St. Joseph School, then towards Cours Saint Louis and rue Portalis
• 14h, stop at the Courthouse for singing and dancing then towards rue Thiers and rue Tournefort
• 14.15, statue of King René then head off Cours Mirabeau songs and dances, Cours Mirabeau descent
• 14:30, allegorical statues, Rotonde stop singing and dancing then head over Napoleon Bonaparte
• Around 15h, place Paul Ferreol then head over Sextius stop singing and dancing and Rue des Cordeliers
• Around 15:30, town hall square, stop trumpets, singing and dancing, distribution of calissons then towards Gaston de Saporta street
• At 16h, Cathedral Saint Saviour celebration.