Three Kings Parade

Three Kings Parade is a theatrical performance that recalls the historical event of Jesus’ birth and the visit of the Magis who worshipped Him 2000 years ago. Its purpose is to familiarize everybody with the Gospel tradition.

The story of the event began in 2009 when the students of one  of Warsaw’s schools decided to perform the Live Nativity scene on the city’s streets.  The idea started spreading in 2011 when other places joined Warsaw in the Parade’s organization. The first Parade abroad was organized in 2013 in Ukraine. In 2019, the Parade was organized in 752 places in Poland and in 22 venues abroad.

The Parade is a cultural, religious, and apolitical event open to everybody, regardless one’s religious beliefs, personal convictions, or cultural traditions. It is not a time for protests or demonstrations against anybody or anything, but an occasion to spend time with others. In order to be faithful to the Gospel tradition and history, we are careful that no characters from fairytales or other historical periods participate in the Parade. 

During the Parade, everybody walks from the indicated place to the Nativity scene. The Parade is accompanied by the common chant of Christmas carols. Moreover, amateur actors play the roles of the Holy Family and the Magis from three continents – Asia, Africa, and Europe. The Parade is led by the Star-bearer and the Magis who are accompanied by children wearing the outfits of knights and ladies-in-waiting. All residents of the city or village also become the members of the Parade. They put crowns on their heads and follow the actors while singing Christmas carols from the songbooks distributed by volunteers and prepared in advance by the Foundation. 

Outside of Poland, the Parades are organized in several countries of Europe, Africa, Asia, and both Americas. They are like the Parades organized in Poland. Their members carry various props like crowns, flags, or banners. However, each Parade is different because each country has different customs, traditions, and the Parades happen in different climates or languages. 

In most cases, the Parades are organized by Poles living in the particular country who invite the local community to join the event. Nevertheless, anyone can organize the Parade. In order to do so, it is enough to email the Foundation (in English or Polish language) on swiat@orszak.org and follow the instructions.

The photos from the Parades organized in the past (both abroad and in the country) are available on our website www.orszak.org or on the Facebook profile (Orszak Trzech Kroli-Fundacja).