A small village in Malaga has hit back at accusations of antisemitism after burning an effigy resembling Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a traditional Easter celebration.
It comes after the move triggered a diplomatic backlash from Israel when the images went viral online this week.
The incident took place in El Burgo during its annual ‘Quema de Judas’ (burning of Judas) festival, where a large figure symbolising ‘evil’ is set alight on Easter Sunday.
‘It’s a century-old tradition’
Mayor Maria Dolores Narvaez insisted the act had no political or religious intent.
‘This is a tradition that dates back to the early 20th century,’ she said, explaining that the burning represents the destruction of negative events from the past year to make way for something better.
‘The effigy is never officially given a name. It represents whatever each person interprets as bad,’ she added.
‘We are not antisemitic, nor are we against the people of Israel, we are an open and welcoming town.’
Israel summons Spanish diplomat
The burning of the seven-metre figure – packed with around 14 kilos of explosives – prompted a strong reaction from Israel, which summoned Spain’s chargé d’affaires for a formal reprimand.
Israel’s foreign ministry described the act as an example of ‘atrocious antisemitic hatred’ and blamed the Spanish government for fostering a hostile environment.
The row comes amid already strained relations between Madrid and Tel Aviv, with Pedro Sanchez repeatedly criticising Israel’s military actions in Gaza and its stance in the Middle East.
‘No to war’
Local officials in El Burgo stressed that the message behind this year’s event was one of peace.
The effigy reportedly carried the slogan ‘No to war’, reflecting opposition to ongoing global conflicts.
Narvaez said she personally rejects ‘war and genocide’ and insisted the celebration does not promote violence.
Not the first time
The identity of the figure changes each year depending on public sentiment.
In 2025, the effigy burned in the same festival represented Donald Trump.
Diplomatic tensions rising
The controversy comes after Israel expelled a Spanish representative from a coordination centre linked to Gaza, further escalating tensions between the two countries.
Spain’s foreign ministry has rejected the accusations of antisemitism, describing them as unfounded.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
