News from Portomarín

[Ribeirasacra]

It seems the statue for the peregrino in the village of Portomarin has been removed. On my last visit I must admit if did not notice this. The statue is at presently stored in the punto limpio (recycling facility).

http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/lemos/2009/05/13/0003_7713274.htm

 

[Arn]

Have the city fathers given any reason why the statue was removed? I can't read the article, the answer may be there.

thanks,
Arn

 

[Telluridewalker]

My Spanish is a bit rusty but the article doesn't really say why the statue was removed. It only says that it was removed two years ago "with agreement from all involved groups." The current plan for the statue is to relocate it outside the local alburgue sometime in the near future.

The ultimate decision is being made by a group or institution called the Patrimonio. Maybe someone else knows what that is.

 

[Deirdre]

The "patrimonio" is kind of a heritage group.

The short version is that they are still looking for a permanent home for the statue. It had been in the Plaza de Concello, and they considered placing it at the entrance to the city near the Chapel of the Snows, but that plan was ultimately rejected as they felt it would detract from the Chapel. They are going to place it near the public albergue. Juan Serrano said that the new person in charge of the Xacobeo will be visiting Portomarín soon and that might be a good time to place the statue, but others said they knew nothing of the visit and it might be for other reasons.

Quick, first, glance translation. I hate to see pilgrim statues behind rubbish bins....

Buen Camino,

 

[Ribeirasacra]

Sorry I should have translated the article for you.
You all have seem to have got a grasp of the article.
I personally do not know who the groups are. It could be the committee that looks after all things Camino (here they talk about Xacobeo) wise. The local concello (council) the Xunta de Galicia (the Galician Government) all, any or any part of these could have an input.
The Capilla de las Nieves (Chapel of Snows) is the one that is now resting above the roundabout as you enter Portomarin.
Juan Serrano and Xesús López aretwo of the councillors.
Silvia Rodríguez is the Mayoress
I have a feeling that Xusús and Silvia are from the same political party.
Patrimonio means all things related to the heritage of Spain. Everything from traditional folk law stories right the way through to the preserved buildings.
There is no reason given as to why the statue was removed. As this happened 2 years ago then the newspaper seemly thinks you already know why. This is a normal style of reporting here.
Maybe we should all get together and raid the punto limpo and replace the poor man in his rightful place!

Edit; should add "del PP" is one of the political parties in Spain. Partido Popular in opposition within the main government and leader of the Xunta de Galicia.