Balthazars of Spain, stop doing blackface.

Published

*This site contains affiliate links, which means I receive a commission when you buy. See my full disclosure.

I’m always curious to see what kinds of blackface I’m going to come across around Three Kings’ Day. So many blackface Balthazars make their appearance at kids’ schools and Three Kings’ Day parades across Spain.

While many authentically black people do play Balthazar, not every city or pueblo in Spain has access to a black actor willing to play the part.

But they have to make do with what they have, I suppose.

Photo by Manuel via Flickr
Photo by Manuel via Flickr

But it’s 2015, people.

Use your resources. Have you heard of the INTERNET? Isn’t there some organization of actors in Spain? And aren’t some of them black? And do black people live in your town? Or nearby town?

Whatever you do, don’t paint your local Spanish actor BLACK.

Because, why??

  • Because we have to save our children. And their innocent belief that the Three Kings are real. If not, they’ll lose faith when they start asking for gifts from some dude with black clown makeup on his face.
  • Because the term “black skin” does not mean black. As in charcoal. Or tar. Take note: Beyonce is a silky honey brown. Obama is a cinnamon brown. Their skin does not match the color of burnt wood.
  • Because a white person painted black looks all kinds of fake. And ridiculous.

With all respect to the following actors who played Balthazar, I commend your efforts. However.

Photo by Manuel via Flickr
Photo by M. Martin Vicente via Flickr

A little more attention to detail, no? Thumbs up! But wait. Who’s hand is that?

If you’re gonna paint yourself, don’t forget other parts. Because you’re just a black head. With a serious pigmentation problem.

Photo by Pedro Cano via Flickr
Photo by Pedro Cano via Flickr

At least the beards of the other two white kings are somewhat authentic. Painted black skin — a Conguitos character.

Photo by coquijac via Flickr
Photo by coquijac via Flickr

Kids, whatever you do, do not give this Balthazar dos besos (“two kisses”). Or you’ll look like you fell facedown in the mud afterward.

But, extra points for matching your skin to your tunic.

Photo by Ayuntamiento de Rota via Flickr
Photo by Ayuntamiento de Rota via Flickr

We can take care of that splotchiness. Perhaps a sponge applicator would’ve done the trick.  Or were we squeezing the last bits of paint from the tube?

Photo by Ayuntamiento de Rota via Flickr
Photo by Ayuntamiento de Rota via Flickr

This is a much better effort. All the way down to the nooks and crannies of the ears. But still. Cringe…

How to do Balthazar RIGHT:

Photo by pegatina1 via Flickr
Photo by pegatina1 via Flickr

Hallelujah!!

Show.

Me.

The real life black person!

Photo by Mikel Agirregabiria via Flickr
Photo by Mikel Agirregabiria via Flickr

Look at that chocolate skin. Now, wouldn’t a kid believe this is the real Balthazar? Can I get a hell yeah?

And my favorite, most authentic-looking Balthazar on Flickr:

8350328627_d0c99edafc_k
Photo by Alfredo via Flickr

Well done! *whistles and begs for sweets*

So, Balthazars of Spain, stop taking the term “black people” so literally. And can we kill this tradition already?

Have you seen blackface in Spain before? What do you think?

By Justine Ancheta

California native, churro aficionado, and mom of 3, Justine Ancheta writes fervently about Barcelona and Spain. Since 2008, she's been eating burnt onions (calçots) and tripping on cobblestones in the Gothic Quarter. She shares tips on popular attractions, exposes offbeat non-touristy spots, and gives insight on exploring Barcelona with kids. Her next Catalan culture challenge: top level of a human castle (castellers).

4 comments

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.