Barandales Statue

Zamora is famous all over Spain because of its Holy Week processions, and all of them start the moment Barandales makes his bells ring. He is the first person you see (and hear) at he start of every procession. Without this person, Zamora and its Holy Week would not be the same.

Barandales is a well-known figure in charge of signaling the approach of the several Zamora Passion processions. His distinguishing features include two large bells that hang from his wrists, which he constantly rings to alert locals and guests of the procession’s approach. With his emblematic jingle, the crowd goes silent to show respect for the religious ceremony.

Being “el Barandales” is a complete honor for locals of Zamora and it used to be an hereditary position. Nowadays every cofradía (group of penitents taking part in a procession) appoints their own Barandales.

The bronze statue of Barandales is the work of sculptor Ricardo Flecha and it was made in 1994. The statue is located in the Plaza de Santa María la Nueva, in front of the Museum of Holy Week, where some of the best images of the Holy Week in Zamora can be found. Barandales statue is the homage to the fifth centenary of the foundation of the Brotherhood of the Holy Burial.