Real Santuario Insular de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves (Royal Island Sanctuary of Our Lady of the Snows)

Nearly half a millennium later, the oldest Marian image in the Canary Islands still has the power to amaze. It is located in La Palma, Spain.

Like in many other parts of Spain, the Canary Islands are dotted with Christian churches of various sizes, all centered around Marian devotion and terracotta statues of the Virgin Mary. The most ancient of these statues is on La Palma and dates back to the late 14th or early 15th century, even before the conclusion of the Canary Islands’ conquest.

This particular statue was venerated by the native Benahoritas in a cave not far from the present church. How it came into the hands of the natives and why they worshiped it remains a mystery. There are several theories, including that it washed ashore from a shipwreck or was brought by Majorcan missionaries. Nevertheless, its presence in the cave was regarded as a miracle, and a church was soon built. Subsequently, the Virgin Mary was declared the patron saint of the entire island, tasked with protecting it from drought.

The statue of Mary also has a significant role in the island’s largest festival, Bajada de la Virgen (the Descent of the Virgin), which has been held every five years since 1680. During this event, the statue is brought down to the capital, and celebrations last for over a month. It is also the time when the dwarves perform their dances.

Apart from the festival, visitors can see the statue in her church, where it is decorated with jewels and gold. The collection has expanded over time through donations. There is also a small museum behind the church that exhibits the different costumes and jewels associated with the statue.

Sources:

• https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgen_de_las_Nieves
• https://www.visitlapalma.es/nl/fiestas/bajada-de-la-virgen-de-las-nieves/