It’s a weird world
THE THRE WISE MEN
The Three Wise Men flew over Seville in a hot air balloon on January 5 morning, after traditional street parades on the eve of the Epiphany were cancelled throughout Spain to avoid drawing big crowds amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Melchior, Caspar and Balthazar are widely celebrated in Spain on Epiphany (January 6), when they are said to have visited the infant Christ with gold, frankincense and myrrh. On that day, children get presents their parents tell them have been brought by the Three Wise Men, and not Santa Claus – even if the latter has also become increasingly popular in Spain.
Balthazar was impersonated by a white man with black face paint, as is often the case in Epiphany celebrations in some Spanish cities. The practice has not drawn the same degree of controversy and condemnation as the “Black Pete” Christmas character in the Netherlands — a fictional character usually portrayed by white people wearing black face paint and which is gradually disappearing.
After flying over Seville and waving at children watching from their homes, the Wise Men said they hoped they would be back with a proper parade next year.
“It has been an amazing flight. We come with huge enthusiasm to deliver all the presents,” Caspar said.
The three urged all people to follow health recommendations.
“You must follow the rules because soon enough we will be able to take off our masks and be able to give each other kisses and hugs and spread love all over Seville. Be prepared, 2021 is the year to end the pandemic and enjoy life,” Melchior said.
— Reuters.
Tuna GOES FOR US$200 000
A bluefin tuna sold for 20,8 million yen (US$202 197) in the first auction of the new year at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market last
Tuesday when it re-opened after the holiday break.
This was sharply down from the 193 million yen the highest-selling tuna fetched at last year’s first Toyosu auction.
One major bidder, Kiyomura Corp, said they had refrained from bidding high this year out of fear that a large number of customers would be inspired to flock to their restaurants since high bids for high quality tuna usually attract media attention.
The government has said eating and drinking out is one of the major causes of coronavirus infections.
Selling prices in the first tuna auction fluctuate widely from year to year in Japan, with a record 333,6 million yen (US$3,2 million) paid in 2019.
“The spread of the new coronavirus will eventually be contained when vaccines and treatment will be in widespread use,” Koh Ehara, president of wholesale company Tohto Suisan, said.
“Until that day comes, we, as one team of all in this market, are determined to continue with the stable supply of fresh food without disruption.”
The Japanese government said last week it was considering declaring a state of emergency in and around Tokyo as coronavirus cases climb.
New cases in Tokyo surged to 1 278 last Tuesday, the second highest daily total since the pandemic began, the city said, with serious cases at a new high of 111. — Reuters.