The mayor of La Línea de la Concepción, Juan Franco, along with the councillor for festivities, Mercedes Atanet, has officially introduced the three individuals selected to embody the Three Kings of the East during the upcoming celebrations and the traditional parade on 5 January.
This year, the roles will be taken on by Ángel Sánchez Ortega, a local businessman with ties to the religious and educational community; José Manuel Benítez Rodríguez, the elder brother of the Brotherhood of the Prayer in the Garden; and Marcos Soares Alves, the parish priest of the Church of the Immaculate Conception.
During the presentation and the handing over of their crowns, Mayor Franco highlighted the social commitment of the three appointees and the complexity of the selection process, which receives a high volume of applications each year. “This is one of the most beautiful yet challenging moments of the year due to the number of requests we receive, with waiting times of up to nine or ten years. We want to thank them for their involvement; they are individuals deeply committed to the daily life of La Línea, and we are confident they will represent Their Majesties with great dignity,” stated Juan Franco.
Mercedes Atanet, the councillor for festivities, emphasised that the selection strictly follows the order of priority on the municipal list and urged patience from other applicants awaiting their turn. Addressing the new representatives, Atanet expressed, “I hope nothing clouds what will be one of the happiest days of your lives. It is an unforgettable experience, as all previous Kings have noted.”
The three selected individuals expressed their honour and the responsibility that comes with this festive role. José Manuel Benítez Rodríguez summarised his appointment with three words: “Gratitude, joy, and responsibility.” He noted that on 5 January, “we have the privilege of spreading joy beyond hope and, for believers, of reliving a fundamental passage of our faith.” He also dedicated his initial words to those unable to attend the events due to health reasons and their families.
Ángel Sánchez Ortega shared his excitement after years of waiting: “I have wished for this for many years, and the longer I wait, the more eager I am for the day to arrive. I hope the entire town of La Línea, both children and adults, enjoy the day with great enthusiasm.”
Marcos Soares Alves, originally from Brazil and leading the parish for a year and a half, highlighted the cultural significance of this tradition in Spain. “In Brazil, the celebration is very different. It warms my heart to see the emotion with which it is experienced here. As a Christian, it is beautiful to witness how the true reason for this festivity, which is the birth of our Saviour, continues to be celebrated,” he affirmed.
