Tag Archives: reyes magos

it’s not tradition, it’s racism in disguise

29 Monday Dec 2025

Posted by in christmas, culture, sevilla, spain

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And a thinly veiled disguise at that. Spotted this posted on the storefront window of Lush Cosmetics in Calle Tetuan whilst out for a hobble…

Pintarse la cara de negro no es tradición. Es racismo maquillado.
La ONU reconoce el blackface como una práctica racista que perpetúa estereotipos coloniales.
#StopBlackfaceInSpain

Painting your face black is not a tradition. It’s racism in disguise.
The UN recognises blackface as a racist practice that perpetuates colonial stereotypes.

Well done Lush! And WTF is wrong with you Spain, that you still think this sort of “casual racism” is just a “harmless custom” meant to bring joy to children? Yes, the practice has come under debate and received much criticism over the past few years, but I mean what is there to debate? Spain, I love you but just stop fucking doing this already. I could say a LOT more about racism in Spain but I’m just too overwhelmed by THE WORLD right now. Some other time perhaps. I was just glad to see this today, though sorry it still needs to be said.

last lights

06 Wednesday Jan 2021

Posted by in christmas, sevilla

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last lights 2021

It’s Three Kings day, and also the last day for Christmas lights in the city. It’s a bit sad that I only got out twice to see the lights this season, but this hasn’t been like any other Christmas. On a positive note, I happened to run into King Melchor last night who assured me that in spite of the pandemic the Kings were still hard at work and would be delivering gifts to all the children and that, along with toys and smiles, they were also bringing good health, vaccines and hope to everyone this year.  🙂

epiphany

06 Thursday Jan 2011

Posted by in birthdays, fiestas, friends, spain

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…aka Los Reyes Magos or Three Kings Day

This celebration typically marks the end of the festive season in Spain, though I always extend it one day more to include my birthday (natch). Last night there was the cabalgata, a parade featuring Los Reyes Magos who ride around on floats tossing sweets out to the hoards of children that line the route, and at midnight the Christmas lights were switched off. Today there will be family dinners with gifts (giving presents on Christmas Eve/Day is a relatively new practice here), then tomorrow kids go back to school and normal life begins again. Though I’m actually working today and have a biz meeting at 5 o’clock – beats just sitting around waiting for my English students to come back from their holidays.

Planned to have an epiphany today but, you know…