In Seville, the debate isn’t about the Cavalcade of the Magi itself, but about its poster. For 2026, organizers unveiled an image that instantly sparked heated controversy. The artwork shows a boy entering his living room on the morning of January 6th, searching for presents. In the corner of the room—a Real Betis jersey and the traditional green tunic of the Hermandad de la Macarena. It might seem like an ordinary scene, but these details unleashed a storm of outrage.
The artist, Fernando Vaquero, infused his work with personal memories and family themes. He admitted he was inspired by his own childhood, when he longed to receive his favorite team’s jersey as a gift. However, not everyone in the city appreciated these symbols. Fans of other football clubs and members of different religious brotherhoods felt left out.
Public reaction: memes, resentment, and threats
A real firestorm erupted on social media. Supporters of Betis and the Hermandad de la Macarena rallied enthusiastically behind the poster, filling the internet with jokes and memes. But fans of Sevilla and advocates of other religious groups saw the image as a provocation. Some even accused the artist of bias and deliberately ignoring other symbols of the city.
The situation quickly escalated beyond ordinary criticism. Vaquero became the target of aggressive cyberbullying, as well as late-night calls with threats. He was accused of not depicting the Sevilla FC jersey and leaving out elements from other popular brotherhoods, such as Esperanza de Triana. The artist was forced to cut off contact with the press and stop responding to comments online.
A celebration that split the city
The parade organizers, representatives of the cultural society Ateneo de Sevilla, did not expect such backlash. Their idea was for the poster to convey an atmosphere of magic and family warmth, not to spark division. However, in Sevilla, where football and religious traditions are closely woven into the city’s identity, even childhood dreams can become a source of controversy.
While some see the poster as a reflection of real Sevillian life, others consider it unfair and one-sided. As a result, the poster for the 2026 Cavalcade of the Magi has become not only a symbol of the holiday, but also a litmus test for public sentiment. The question of which symbols deserve a place in the city’s celebrations has once again taken center stage.
