A top Spanish official has come under fire for “blacking up” at a Three Kings’ Parade.
The huge annual street procession, held on the eve of Epiphany, celebrates the arrival of the Biblical Magi, who brought gifts to the baby Jesus.
Colourful floats wind through the streets as parade performers, dressed as the Three Kings, toss sweets to excited crowds of children.
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Traditionally, one of the Kings, Balthazar, is portrayed as black – usually by white participants painting their faces.
However, in recent years, the practice has been slammed as racist, and it is now more common for black actors to take the role.
But on Monday (5 Jan), President of Andalusia Juanma Moreno turned up as Balthazar with his face painted black at the Seville parade.
The married father-of-three and member of the conservative People’s Party was quickly criticised by politicians, as reported by Need To Know.
Antonio Maíllo, secretary general of United Left, wrote: “No, this is not a joke. Andalusia deserves far more than a king smeared with boot polish, and this year we’re going to show it.”
Juan Antonio Delgado Ramos, an MP with the left-wing Podemos party, added: “Painting your face black to portray King Balthazar is blackface.
“In 2026, for a regional president to appear like this normalises a racist and colonial gesture. It’s not humour or tradition – it’s disrespect and the legitimisation of racism.”
Moreno, 55 – who is also First Vice President of the European Committee of the Regions – was booed during the parade.
Chants of “public healthcare” and “instead of sweets, throw us a doctor’s appointment” were heard.
Andalusia is in the midst of a health crisis, with a breast cancer screening scandal affecting thousands of women, while frustration mounts over long waiting lists.
Not everyone was critical, however. One onlooker commented: “Absolutely spectacular parade, especially Balthazar – his face was glowing with happiness!”
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