Adra parishioners complain figure of Virgin del Vega has been changed

RESIDENTS in La Curva district of Adra, have been complaining since local festivities in July that the figure of the Virgin carried through the streets was not “their Virgin”.

The festivities in honour of the Virgen de la Vega were held in July, and they noticed that in the place of the usual plaster figure with her arms out, head on the side, and with a snake on her feet which they have been carrying for 31 years, there was a wooden replica of the Virgen del Carmen. The new statute is very different, carrying a child and looking downwards.

The locals confronted the priest who allegedly told them that it was the same figure, but they are convinced that this is not true. They have even spoken with a lawyer to enquire whether they can report the change.

Vicar Tomas Cano Rodriguez explained to the local Press that the figure which was carried in the procession this year is the real Virgen de la Vega, and the one which has been used for the past years is in no condition to be used in a procession because she had “painted nails, a hole in her head and paint covering scratches and chips”.

The Bishopric claims that the change was explained to the parishioners and they support the priest’s decision. As the figure the locals are claiming they want back is not theirs, they have no case, they say, and it is stored in a warehouse.

However, local residents are collecting signatures because they “want to know where our Virgin is and we want her back” they say.