Girona Three Kings parade organisers face mounting pressure to end the practice of using performers in blackface.
The Cacau i Negritud collective, representing Black residents across Girona’s regions, has formally demanded the city council ensure no one is painted black for the 2026 parade.
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They argue the tradition constitutes racial discrimination and mockery.
Aliou Diallo, a member of the collective and a researcher on institutional racism at the University of Girona, states the practice causes significant distress. “We want no one to be painted,” he explained. “If enough Black people cannot be found, then white people can be in King Balthazar’s retinue. That would be fine. They can make up as unicorns if they wish, but blackness is not a costume.”
Formal Complaint Lodged Over Girona Three Kings Parade
This week, the group filed a formal complaint with Girona’s Non-Discrimination Office. Their submission has garnered support from over 80 individuals and fifteen organisations. Consequently, they are calling on both the city council and the Manaies association, which organises the parade, to cease the practice immediately.
The collective contends that seeing people in blackface within Balthazar’s procession makes many Afro-descendant families feel “violated and ridiculed.” Diallo notes a profound discontent within the Black community regarding the festivity. “For years and years, they have been painting white people as if they were Black people,” he asserts.
Furthermore, the complaint will be sent to the Catalan government. The group seeks protection, alleging an infringement of rights to equality, non-racial discrimination, and human dignity. Diallo criticises the council for lacking a more “forceful” political will to address the issue, despite previous discussions.
Councilwoman Queralt Vila, responsible for Participation and Citizen Attention, responded to the demands. She confirmed the council and Manaies are working “jointly” to ensure Balthazar’s retinue is “as participatory as possible and formed by people of the Black race.”
“We live in a very plural society,” Vila stated, “and our final objective is precisely this: for the retinue to be well-staffed with Black participants who can be part of it.” For the 2026 parade, she noted that while there is a waiting list to join the processions, Afro-descendant people wishing to join Balthazar’s retinue would be given priority.
“If we have enough people to form part of the Black king’s retinue,” Vila concluded, “obviously no one will be painted.” The debate highlights ongoing tensions between cultural tradition and evolving social norms regarding representation and respect. This issue reflects broader discussions on inclusivity happening across Catalonia, similar to recent policy changes in other public-facing roles.
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