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Juanma Moreno, regional president of the Andalucian government, has found himself at the centre of a social media storm after painting his face black to play King Balthazar in Sevilla’s Three Kings parade.

 

The gesture, intended to bring festive cheer to parade-goers, has instead drawn sharp criticism for its use of blackface, a practice widely regarded as offensive, racist and outdated. Videos circulating online show Moreno Bonilla riding the Balthazar float and handing out sweets to children, but many viewers focused less on the treats and more on the president’s make-up.

 

“Moreno Bonilla paints his face black because there are no black people in Andalucia,” read one comment on X, formerly Twitter.

 

“With his face painted with shoe polish, he looks very shameful,” wrote another.

 

Even prominent political figures have reacted: “He’s decided to act like a fool by dressing up as Balthazar in the Three Kings parade—with a touch of racism, by the way—so that people will talk about this and forget that he’s destroying Andalucian public healthcare while giving money to the rich!” condemned Pablo Echenique of Podemos.

 

While some have defended Mr Moreno’s choice as a nod to “tradition” and “affection” for the festival, human rights groups have long called for the role of King Balthazar to be portrayed by Black people, citing respect for authenticity and the dignity of the Afro-descendant community. Organisations such as SOS Racismo and Afroféminas have repeatedly pointed out that blackface is not a tribute, but a caricature that should have been left behind, a sentiment echoed by many on social media.

 

This incident has reignited the ongoing debate over the portrayal of King Balthazar in Spain’s traditional parades. While some municipalities and communities are shifting toward more inclusive practices, critics argue that blackface in 2026 is increasingly seen as unacceptable and out of step with modern Andalucian society.

 

Image: Juanma Moreno on X