After more than two centuries, a meticulously crafted replica of the Virgen de la Peña de Francia, carved in 1765 and preserved in Cantabria, is set to return temporarily to its spiritual home in Salamanca. The decision followed years of family discussions and logistical setbacks. It is impressive for both the Mazarrasa family and the religious community connected to the sanctuary.
Standing about 60 centimeters tall, the dark-wood statue depicts the Virgin Mary holding the child Jesus beneath ornate crowns and a richly colored mantle. For generations, it has been kept in a private home in Villaverde de Pontones under the care of José María de Mazarrasa y De la Torre. His ancestor commissioned the replica after the original was lost to theft and decay in the 19th century. The original image, once central to the sanctuary in Salamanca, was stolen and ultimately destroyed, leaving only fragments and the memory of its presence.
Scheduled for the weekend of September 5, 2026, the transfer will allow the faithful in Salamanca to venerate the closest surviving likeness of the lost original. Members of the Hermandad de Caballeros de Santo Toribio de Liébana are expected to accompany the statue in ceremonial dress. A choral performance is planned in the cathedral of Ciudad Rodrigo. A floral tribute is also planned for the statue of Bishop José Tomás de Mazarrasa, who helped preserve the Virgin's legacy after the original disappeared.
Preparations for the journey have brought some tension. The Mazarrasa cousins, Olav and José María, have debated the risks and logistics, including the need for a €60,000 insurance policy and the emotional difficulty of parting with the statue, even temporarily. Previous attempts to move the image, including one in 2005, were thwarted by unexpected weather, adding to the anticipation and uncertainty around this year's plan.
Once in Salamanca, the statue will be guarded day and night in the sanctuary's chapel before being taken to the mountaintop site for a symbolic ritual. There, the replica will be placed beside the so-called “muñecón,” a later, less faithful copy created after the original was lost, so the two images can be seen together for the first time. The ceremony will include readings from Tirso de Molina about the Virgin's discovery in 1440, followed by a communal meal.
The family remains cautious about extending the statue's stay beyond the planned weekend, though it hopes more people will get the chance to appreciate its historical and artistic value. The debate over its future continues, with José María weighing the desire to share the statue with the public against his personal attachment and responsibility as its guardian.
This story of religious heritage and family stewardship recalls other moments when local traditions and identities have been tested by loss and recovery. In a different context, the challenges of preserving community symbols surfaced during the border crisis in Ceuta, where residents demanded action from authorities, as reported in coverage of the Ceuta protests. Both cases reflect the importance of cultural memory and the challenges of safeguarding it for future generations.
The Virgen de la Peña de Francia remains a powerful symbol for many in Salamanca and beyond. Its temporary return offers a chance for collective remembrance and renewed devotion.
The original sanctuary of the Virgen de la Peña de Francia is a major pilgrimage site in western Spain, attracting visitors for centuries. The loss of the original statue in the 19th century was a major blow to the local community, and this faithful replica has helped maintain the tradition. The upcoming event is expected to draw attention from religious and cultural circles, highlighting the continuing relevance of such artifacts to Spain's regional identity.
