Catamarca (Argentina): controversy over the statue of the Virgin of the Val

Catamarca (Argentina): controversy over the statue of the Virgin of the Valley

15-09-24

The recent inauguration of the statue of the Virgen del Valle, the tallest in the world with an impressive height of 52 meters, has unleashed a wave of controversy in the province. The work, which surpasses in height the emblematic Christ the Redeemer in Brazil, has been promoted by local businessman Walter D'Agostini with the aim of giving back to his community what his family received as immigrants.

The majestic statue, unveiled to the public last September 7 in a ceremony attended by the local bishop, has attracted the attention of the faithful and tourists alike. However, the unveiling has not been without its critics due to the costs associated with access to this new point of interest.

The main controversy revolves around the transportation system that has been set up to reach the base of the statue. Due to the difficulty of the road, a shuttle bus service has been arranged to transport visitors from the base to the imposing figure. The prices to use this service are 10 thousand pesos for local residents, 15 thousand for visitors from other provinces and 20 thousand for foreigners.

Walter D'Agostini explained in a radio interview that “we never even made a plan or anything like that. We started to build, until one day we went to measure it when we finished it”. As for additional infrastructure, the work includes a small bar and restrooms for the comfort of visitors.

However, these fees have generated discomfort, especially among Catamarqueños, who consider that access should be more accessible. Marcelo Gallo, journalist and editor of El Ancasti, has expressed his concern, stating that “they are profiting from people's faith”. Gallo argues that the work was initially presented as an act of devotion, but then a commercial logic behind the project was discovered.

Opinion divided: a tourist venture or an act of faith?

The debate has intensified in the Catamarca community, where devotion to the Virgin of the Valley is deep-rooted. Gallo emphasizes that “if it had been presented as a tourist undertaking, there would have been no problems. But as it has been presented as an act of devotion, and then there is a whole commercial logic behind it, it is a merchant of the temple, which is what is condemned”.

Despite the criticisms, some consider that the project has the potential to become an important tourist icon for the region. The statue of the Virgin of the Valley could attract numerous visitors, thus generating a positive economic impact in Catamarca.

The inauguration of the statue of the Virgen del Valle has sparked a mixture of enthusiasm and controversy in Catamarca. While some see in this monumental work an opportunity for tourism development, others question the motivation behind the project and the accessibility for the faithful. Time will tell if this imposing statue will succeed in balancing religious devotion with tourism development, or if controversy will continue to mark its history.

Author: Bernardo Sabisky. Viajes, fotos y comidas

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