Madrid’s Three Kings Parade (Cabalgata de Reyes Magos) this year unexpectedly found itself in the spotlight—not for its dazzling costumes or grand scale, but because of a seemingly minor yet highly visible detail. King Balthazar, who is traditionally portrayed as a dark-skinned man, appeared this time as a light-skinned figure. The reaction was swift: social media erupted with comments, and the discussion quickly spread beyond the capital.
Many spectators, watching the parade both on the streets and on television, made no secret of their surprise. Questions poured in: why did the organizers decide to break from tradition? Was there really no suitable actor in such a large city? Some parents even noted that their children were confused and didn’t recognize their favorite character.
Public Reaction
A real storm unfolded on social media. Users shared photos and videos from the parade, compared this year’s Balthazar to those from previous years, and responded with both sarcasm and outrage. One of the most popular comments read: “Explain to me why Balthazar in Madrid is whiter than I am?” Others recalled previous scandals over casting choices and even joked that the king seemed to have decided to ‘change his image’.
Political undertones were inevitable. Some commentators criticized the city authorities, suggesting that such decisions were not mere coincidences, but rather a reflection of certain views or even indifference towards the holiday’s symbolism. They also recalled previous controversies when the choice of actor for Balthazar had already been a topic of public debate.
Traditions Under Scrutiny
For many Spaniards, the Three Kings parade is more than a vibrant show—it’s an important part of childhood and family memories. Each king carries a special meaning, and their appearance is a deeply rooted tradition. That’s why any changes are particularly sensitive. This time, the debate went far beyond aesthetics, raising questions about the importance of preserving symbols and respecting cultural codes.
Some participants in the discussion pointed out that such decisions could confuse children, for whom the image of the kings is an integral part of the holiday. Others, on the contrary, urged not to focus on skin color and reminded everyone that the true essence is the joy and magic that the parade brings.
Humor and Sarcasm
Amid heated arguments, jokes also made the rounds. The internet was flooded with memes and ironic comments. Some compared Madrid’s Balthazar to Michael Jackson, alluding to the change in skin color, while others suggested casting an actor with green skin next year ‘so no one would feel left out.’
Humor, as is often the case in Spain, became a way to defuse tension, but even it could not hide the fact that for many people this was a genuinely important issue. The parade, which was supposed to unite everyone, unexpectedly became a flashpoint for heated debate about tradition, identity, and respect for symbols.
Symbols and Modernity
The story with Balthazar in Madrid isn’t just a curiosity—it reflects how even the most established traditions can be reexamined. The question of who should portray the kings in the parade turned out to be far from simple. For some, it’s just a children’s holiday; for others, it’s a vital piece of cultural memory.
Personally, I believe such debates are inevitable in a society where tradition meets new perspectives. But perhaps it’s precisely these discussions that keep the holidays truly alive and meaningful for every generation.
