By Adam Woodward •
Updated: 30 Nov 2024 • 23:49 • 1 minute read
No more blacking-up as King Balthazar for Malaga city, read an announcement made by Mayor Francisco de la Torre.
For long, far too long, Spanish municipalities have presented the only black king of the Three Kings as a white man tar-brushed up in their traditional January 5 ‘Cabalgata’, or ‘Kings’ parade. The explanation for this was simple in that for a long time in Spain, the percentage of people of African origin was relatively low due to much less history in sub-Saharan Africa than neighbours such as France, Portugal, and the UK. This meant that an ethically sub-Saharan population was always low, and the excuse had some motive.
In 2024, however, there is little genuine excuse given considering how ethically diverse all of Spain has become in the last 30 years. Often, no matter how large or small the population of any village or metropolis is, ‘blacking-up’ is still considered socially acceptable, while in many other countries it is considered downright illegal.
This year, however, Mansour Konte, the young Guinean who saved a petrified woman from the floods in Malaga in November by gallantly picking her up in his arms and carrying her to safety, has been awarded the honour. So taken by the gesture was Malaga mayor Paco de la Torre, that he offered him the job of playing Balthazar, one of the three kings, in the upcoming traditional Kings’ parade in the centre of Malaga city.
Being chosen to represent one of the kings in Spain is generally considered a great honour and recognition, much like receiving the key of the city. However, on most occasions, the role has been played by a white man painted like some 1970s comedic (and offensive) Al Jolson.
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