Discontent in Ibiza over the shortage of candies in the Three Kings parades.

The recent Kings' parades in Ibiza and Formentera have generated a wave of discontent among attendees, who have expressed their dissatisfaction on social media due to the notable shortage of candies during the festive processions. The traditional celebration, aimed at bringing joy to the little ones, has faced criticism that highlights citizens' grievances. Phrases like "What a shame!" have resonated strongly among those who expected a more magical experience for their children. Comments collected in the chronicles of the Diario de Ibiza reflect a widespread feeling of frustration. "I'm really angry... My grandson had his hands up asking for candies, and they didn't throw him a single one," wrote a reader who didn't hold back her disappointment. For her, the experience of the parade was tarnished by the lack of sweets, a fundamental element of these festivities. This situation has even led some parents to reconsider their strategy for next year, promising to bring their own candies to ensure their children don’t end up empty-handed. However, not everyone shares the same sentiment. Other attendees have pointed to the crowd as part of the problem. One woman commented that "the Kings threw a lot of candies," although she focused her criticism on those whom she believed acted selfishly by hoarding the sweets. The complaint is directed at a group of people who, with bags full, swept up the candies, leaving others with nothing. This contrast in opinions highlights the polarization of discourse surrounding the parades. Moreover, some have justified the lack of candies in the parade by noting the pressure the Kings face. A mother who attended with her family explained that "the children were asking for candies, and the poor Kings were just waving." According to her account, the scarcity of treats is not the fault of the traditional characters but rather of a budget that has not been adjusted to make the little ones happy. The situation has underscored the importance of proper organization and funding for such events. Criticism has also addressed the issue of trickery, with some attendees reporting that the toys thrown at the beginning of the route were hoarded by a group of children who, in their eagerness to get more, kept asking the Kings. The image of children filling their arms with toys while others looked on from a distance has sparked a debate about fairness in the distribution of surprises during the parade. This aspect, along with the lack of candies, has left a bitter taste among many parents. "Every year it gets worse, shameful, the children waiting for candies, and they handed out one candy per child," lamented a citizen, emphasizing the disappointment experienced by the little ones. Her comment reflects the frustration of those who see these celebrations as an opportunity for children to experience moments of joy, rather than a parade where scarcity becomes the main focus. Despite the widespread discontent, there have also been voices expressing satisfaction with the parade. "Brilliant and very beautiful, my son was very happy," wrote another attendee, highlighting that despite the criticisms, some found value in the experience. This underscores that, as in many celebrations, perceptions can be deeply subjective and depend on individual expectations. The situation in Ibiza serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between tradition and the need to adapt to community expectations. The Kings' parade, which should be a moment of joy and celebration, has turned into a space for social debate, where complaints and joys intertwine in unexpected ways. Thus, as the citizens of Ibiza and Formentera reflect on this year's parade, it is clear that the voices of the community deserve to be heard. The lack of candies has sparked a broader discussion about how these festivities are organized and funded, a debate that could influence future celebrations. The hope is that next year, both the Kings and the attendees find a space where joy and sweetness truly take center stage in the festivities.