Anti-racism activists in Spain have called for a ban on the use of blackface seen in many of the country's traditional Epiphany celebrations. Rita Bosaho, the first Black woman in Spain's parliament, said the practice - part of annual Jan. 5 parades on the eve of Epiphany that depict the biblical Three Kings who brought gifts to Jesus - tarnish the memory of enslaved people and disempower Black children. In the parades, actors portraying the kings, or Magi, ride past on floats and fling sweets, which are eagerly scooped up by children.
The practice of parade participants painting their faces black with exaggerated, red-painted lips tarnishes the memory of enslaved people and disempowers black children, says black politician Rita Bosaho.
ALCOY, Spain/BARCELONA/MADRID (Reuters) - Anti-racism activists in Spain have called for a ban on the use of blackface seen in many of the country's traditional Epiphany celebrations.