Gentle readers, so much has happened in the last few weeks, including the beginning of Las Fallas. I’ll write more on that later, but this post is based on some juicier details: Politics. One of the key ingredients of Las Fallas is the lampooning (and occasional harpooning) of political figures. So, let’s begin with the cast of characters:
Rajoy: He is the president of the current political party (PP) in power, and his party has members that have been caught in corruption and scandals totally millions of euros.
Sánchez: Courtesy of the last party to run Spain into the ground (government-wise and corruption-wise, at least), the leader of the PSOE is quite an interesting character in the drama.
Then, there is a new party, Podemos, that is being led by Iglesias. This party is receiving a great deal of interest, especially by those who are sick and tired of the current government leadership. Very much a leader from the people.
The king and queen of Spain, recently in their new roles. The previous king left the throne to his son after going on an elephant hunt while being the spokesperson for the Spanish branch of the World Wildlife Fund. Seriously, you can’t make this stuff up:
Then, there is a satellite character, Nicolas. Francisco Nicolas Gomez Iglesias is a gatecrasher of the highest order, passing himself off as everything from a law student to secret service agent (uhhhh, spy) to royalty shoulder-rubber. Acting like a 20-year-old, he was arrested for fraud and so much more.
Finally, let’s get local. Rita Barberá Nolla, or just Rita, is often a subject of ridicule, political dishonesty, and blamed for a lot that goes wrong here in Valencia. She may just deserve it.
So, what do all of the characters have in common? They are captured in various ninots this year. See for yourself…
Time seems to be running out for Rajoy.
Something is sinking! Could it be the political ratings?
Nothing like a goose that seems to be laying golden eggs…
So much to consider in this ninot… here’s Iglesias, about to ahem use the facilities, while holding a roll of toilet paper printed with Rajoy and another with Sánchez sits on the shelf. A clock is ticking, noting the end of time for these political parties who may end up being “flushed.”
Robin Hood, anyone?
Political figures depicted as smelly fish in the market.
In front of Nicolas and Rita is a figurine of Iglesias…
I, like Nicolas, couldn’t resist a selfie!
You may notice that the magazine in front of this ninot is entitled “Rit-Kong”
Throughout Spain, the meme of Nicolas, appearing in almost every possible situation, was widely circulated throughout the country.
One last note… this guy is holding a Bankia “Black Card,” which was issued to a number of high-ranking bank officials. During this past year, it was discovered that these officials were using the cards for lavish expenses, funded by government bank bailout money. Several of the ninots featured the black cards…
And finally, just a cool ninot. Very, very cool. Behind her, on the small backdrop, there are other political figures recently in the news.
So much to see!
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