Following the controversy generated on social media by the municipal group En Comú Podem, the Montcada i Reixac council issued a statement clarifying that the supposed removal of King Balthazar from the 2026 Three Kings Parade poster was due to a "punctual incident in the adaptation of the graphic image" for digital publications. The City Council insists that the official printed posters showed a correct and respectful representation of all the Three Wise Men, without exception.
“"It is unfair and irresponsible to speak of institutional racism based on an erroneous interpretation of the facts. This government has worked to guarantee an inclusive, respectful, and coherent Parade with the values of our city."
The Councillor for Culture and Cultural Heritage, Albert Carandell, regretted that the controversy is based on a false premise that seeks to "detract from the work of many people." Furthermore, the governing team, led by the municipal group PSC-CP, took the opportunity to recall that the previous government led by En Comú Podem did not eliminate the practice of blackface among King Balthazar's pages between 2016 and 2020, a practice they consider "discriminatory" and "racist."
The City Council emphasizes that the Three Kings Parade is one of the largest street events in the city, and the current government began an artistic renewal process for the celebration in 2024, which will continue in future editions. They also highlighted the increase in the amount of candy, reaching 2,000 kilograms during the 2026 parade.
