TOP MANTA

Alberto León’s mural, created in 2019, offers a subtle but powerful critique of the contrast between the Christmas ideal and social reality. The scene depicts a ‘mosso d’esquadra’ (Catalan police officer) running after an African ‘mantero’ (street vendor) fleeing with his folded blanket over his shoulder—not red, but clearly evocative of Santa Claus’s sack—while dressed in red and wearing a Christmas hat. The man runs in sneakers, carrying his merchandise as if they were gifts, but in a context of persecution and precariousness.

León transforms a common street scene into a symbolic image that subverts the festive narrative: instead of a generous Santa Claus, there is a persecuted migrant; instead of carols, police shouts. With biting humor and without condescension, the mural reveals the contradictions of a society that celebrates abundance while marginalizing those who barely survive.

BADALONA

2019