Los Silos Residents Demand Answers Over Missing 17th-Century Religious Statue
Residents of Los Silos are demanding transparency from local authorities and the Church regarding the two-year disappearance and uncertain condition of a 17th-century Baroque statue.
The management of historical heritage in Los Silos has sparked concern among local residents, who are calling for greater transparency regarding the care of the town’s cultural treasures. At the heart of the issue is the Santísimo Cristo de la Misericordia, a 17th-century Baroque carving that has been missing from liturgical and processional events for two years.
The 1632 statue was removed after structural damage was discovered in its support. While officials initially promised a professional restoration, there has been no official update on the carving’s location or its current condition. This lack of communication has left residents worried, especially following the statue's recent move to a secondary space and ongoing work on its original altarpiece. Locals are now demanding clear answers regarding these interventions.
The situation is further complicated by a dispute over responsibility. The Los Silos City Council claims the Bishopric of San Cristóbal de La Laguna is in charge, while residents have appealed to the Government of the Canary Islands and the Tenerife Island Council without receiving a coordinated response. This follows a similar pattern of neglect regarding the church’s bell tower, which has been out of service for three years with no repairs in sight.
Under the Canary Islands Historical Heritage Law, authorities are legally required to protect and maintain cultural assets. Frustrated by the silence from both the parish priest and government officials, residents are considering a petition to demand independent inspections of the artwork. The case highlights a breakdown in communication between the Church and the government, leaving the future of the town’s religious heritage in limbo.