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Most of us are familiar with blackface, a historical tradition where white performers darkened their faces to impersonate black individuals. This practice was especially prominent in the United States during 19th-century minstrel shows.
These performers would exaggerate their attire and mannerisms, aiming to mock and caricature people of color. The practice started to fade in the U.S. when the black community raised their voices in protest, highlighting the harm it caused.
In the U.S. today, blackface is heavily criticized on social media and in public discourse. However, it persists in various forms in different parts of the world. Here, we highlight 10 instances of blackface traditions, performances, or controversies in modern times.
10. Balthazar
Balthazar is one of the three wise men in the Christmas tradition. In Spain, it’s customary for these three figures to bring gifts to children during Christmas celebrations at schools and community events.
According to tradition, Balthazar is depicted as black, and many Spaniards feel the need to represent this physically. This has sparked controversy, as the character is often portrayed in blackface.
In recent years, Madrid has pledged to hire a black actor for the role due to global criticism. However, the tradition of a blackened Balthazar continues in other parts of Spain.
In many cases, city council members, who are typically white, take on the role of Balthazar. In Spanish culture, council members are often prioritized for these types of roles. Additionally, some smaller villages claim that they lack people of color available to play Balthazar, leading them to continue using blackface to physically represent the character's blackness, which they see as essential.
9. Zwarte Piet
Zwarte Piet, also known as Black Pete, is another figure tied to Christmas traditions. He is particularly well-known in the Netherlands, where he is thought to be a Moorish servant of Saint Nicholas, accompanying him on his travels.
This character is a common sight in parades and Christmas festivities in both the Netherlands and Belgium. He is typically depicted with dark, curly hair, red lips, and a face painted black.
Zwarte Piet has sparked debate in recent years. Some argue that the character is not rooted in racism and is merely a tradition. Others contend that while it may not have been intended as racist in the past, contemporary sensibilities view it as offensive, and it should be retired.
Like other forms of blackface, some critics feel that Zwarte Piet exaggerates features of black people in a way that is unflattering. However, others argue that the character was originally created to soften the image of a dark, menacing figure from Dutch folklore, making it less frightening for children during Christmas.
8. Morris Dancers, Shrewsbury Folk Festival
The Morris dance tradition dates back to the 16th century and originates from the border region between Wales and England. This folk dance, where participants paint their faces black, is believed by some to have started when farmworkers would go door-to-door begging for food during the winter months.
Begging was illegal, so farmworkers would blacken their faces to conceal their identities and avoid legal trouble. Some also believe the tradition originated from attempts to mimic African dancers.
This tradition has recently come under scrutiny. The Shrewsbury Folk Festival has banned the practice of painting faces black among Morris dancers. The festival's 2016 event was the last to feature performers with painted black faces.
Despite modern views that blackface is inherently racist, some individuals voiced their displeasure over the festival's decision, arguing that banning the painted faces strips away from the tradition. They maintain that the origins of the custom were not rooted in racism.
7. Haji Firuz
Haji Firuz is a character from Iran who appears around Christmas, similar to Santa Claus, except his face is painted black. The character is believed to be based on a portrayal of an African slave serving his master. There is even a song associated with him that references his role as a slave, which is sometimes sung during the season.
Historically, slaves were brought to Iran through the Indian Ocean slave trade, which connected East Africa and the Middle East. Slavery remained legal in Iran until 1929. Consequently, people of color living in modern-day Iran may find this portrayal offensive.
6. Britannia Coconut Dancers
The Britannia Coconut Dancers are a Morris-style dance troupe from England. Known for their 'nut' dance, they hail from Bacup, a town with a unique tradition. Performers wear red-and-white hooped skirts and paint their faces black. This tradition is thought to have originated from Moorish tin miners who worked in the area centuries ago.
Like other Morris-style dances, this tradition has faced criticism over its racial implications. However, it is still practiced today. Some defenders argue that the blackface represents the soot-covered faces of miners after a long day’s work, with no racist intent.
5. Darkie Day
Darkie Day is an annual festival in the United Kingdom, held on Boxing Day and New Year's Day in the town of Padstow. The event is thought to have pagan origins, with participants traditionally donning blackface as part of their costumes. This disguise allowed them to act wildly and perform exaggerated antics in exchange for food and money.
As minstrel shows gained popularity in the United States, Padstow’s celebration began to take on racist overtones. Some performances included the N-word in songs and chants, replacing traditional tunes with more minstrel-style numbers. On two occasions, the police were called in to film the event.
4. Ganguro
Ganguro is a fashion trend in Japan, particularly among teenage girls. These girls often mimic the looks of American hip-hop artists, which includes painting their faces black, wearing shimmering makeup, sporting blonde hair, and embracing bold, colorful clothing. This style is especially popular in cities like Tokyo.
Some believe that the Ganguro style represents a form of rebellion against school uniforms or their everyday lives, while others think these girls are simply influenced by and wish to imitate the hip-hop artists they admire.
3. The Thai Media
Like Japan, Thailand also features multiple instances of modern-day blackface, particularly in the media and advertisements. In 2016, comedian Pajaree Na Nakorn wore blackface as part of a costume at a party. Additionally, a 2013 Dunkin' Donuts advertisement depicted a woman with a painted black face.
The advertisement was removed after facing significant backlash on the Internet. However, both incidents sparked more outrage outside of Thailand than within the country itself. Many Thai people saw no problem with dressing up in this way, claiming they had no racist intentions and considered it merely a joke.
2. Rats And Star
Similar to ganguro, this practice also originates in Japan. This time, however, it’s linked to a popular J-pop musical group called Rats and Star. Since rising to fame in the 1980s, the group has been known for wearing blackface during performances.
1. Kaapse Klopse
Kaapse Klopse is a yearly festival held in South Africa. A key feature of the celebration is a minstrel show in which participants wear blackface. It is believed that this tradition was influenced by minstrel shows from the United States.
South Africa has a complex history marked by racism and discriminatory policies, so it’s not entirely surprising that blackface was once used in performances here. Despite the end of apartheid, this tradition continues to this day.
