Story By: Juan Mayes, Sub-Editor: Joana Mihajlovska, Agency: Newsflash
This official flyer promoting a festive parade in Madrid has sparked outrage for featuring one of the Three Wise Men traditionally depicted as black as a white character.
The flyers were handed out to locals in the district of Moncloa-Aravaca in the Spanish capital Madrid yesterday (28 December).
The flyer, which doubles as a bookmark, shows the Three Wise Men all portrayed as fair-skinned.
Reports said that many residents deemed the flyer offensive and accused the local government of racism.
However, Madrid mayor Jose Luis Martinez-Almeida told local media that it was a mistake by the design company they hired and it is being remedied as soon as possible, adding that tradition is clear when it comes to Balthazar’s complexion.
The mayor went on to say that despite the current situation with COVID-19, they plan to receive the Three Wise Men “in whatever mode of transportation necessary” in Madrid on 5th January, the day before Epiphany or Three Kings Day.
In Spain, Three Kings Day is when families traditionally gather for meals and exchange presents. Local governments organise large parades with the Three Kings on top of a parade bus throwing sweets and gifts for children in the crowds.
The character of Balthazar has sparked controversy in Spain in the past when councils often used local actors in ‘blackface’ to portray the Wise Man.
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