THE THREE WISE MEN DAY

January the 6^th is the Three Wise Men Day, one of the most important Christmas events in Spain. First thing in the morning children –and adults- open their gifts left by the Wise Men near the windows during the night, where everybody put their shoes. On the eve, before going to bed, children prepare lettuce for the camels, liquors for the Wise Kings –to face the cold night- and sweets for their assistants.

In the afternoon of the 5^th of January, Three Kings processions go through the streets of every city and every town in the country.  The Wise Men, throwing candies from their floats, are greeted by crowds of excited children.

In the previous days the children send their letters to the Wise Men, explaining their good behaviour throughout the year and describing the gifts they expect to receive. The letter is sine qua non condition to have presents on the 6^th of January, perhaps the most magical day in the year.

After this prelude I’ll go to the core of this entry. Yesterday, January de 6^th, “El Pais” published two cartoons (see below) linked to the letters sent to the Three Wise Men. I’d like recall that “El Pais” is centrist oriented newspaper and the two well known cartoonists over 65 years age each one. That means that we are not talking about young radical artists or underground magazines but about senior graphic humorists always committed with democracy and the best seller Spanish paper.

I am deeply convinced that both cartoons show the current mood of the most of Spanish citizens: sadness, frustration and indignation.

P.S. Today, 7^th of January, governmental statistics show that after three years of decreasing consumption of goods (cars, household devices…) in 2012, for the first time, the level as well as the quality of food consumption dropped in Spain.

“Dear Wise Men: this year I want dynamite, hand-grenades and detonator cables…”

- “Remember the “good old days” when children asked for toys instead of jobs for their parents”

- "… and the responsibles remain strong…”