Queen of the Magdalena Festival
The sculpture «Queen of the Magdalena Festival» by José Crespo is a tribute to the central figure of the festivities in Castellón de la Plana. Crafted in bronze and set on a wooden base, the piece captures the Queen in a majestic and ceremonial pose, embodying her role as a symbol of local tradition and culture.
The Queen is depicted standing upright, with one arm raised in a gesture of greeting and the other holding the traditional cane emblematic of Castellón’s festivities. Her traditional attire is meticulously sculpted, showcasing the folds and ornate details characteristic of the festival’s dress. Crespo’s attention to the intricate patterns and decorations highlights his mastery in capturing the essence of festive garments.
The Queen’s face, serene and regal, conveys a sense of grace and responsibility. Her facial expression, combined with her elegant posture, encapsulates the spirit of the Magdalena Festival, an event that celebrates the identity and heritage of Castellón de la Plana.
The polished wooden base provides a warm contrast to the bronze, enhancing the figure and adding a sense of stability and sophistication. The combination of materials underscores Crespo’s ability to harmonize textures and tones into a cohesive and striking work.
«This figure, Queen of the Magdalena Festival, represents the Queen of the Festival in the city of Castellón de la Plana, and more specifically, my sister Paloma, who was the Queen back in 1981. The most beautiful of all the Queens!
The Magdalena Festival is Castellón’s most important celebration, commemorating the city’s origins and the relocation of the settlement from the hill of La Magdalena to the fertile coastal plain in 1521.
To create this piece, I based it on two or three photos of my sister from that time. I initially started it in clay, but the figure was very small, had a lot of detail, and the result wasn’t great, so I ended up reworking it in lost wax.
I completed it in Castellón during the summer of 2000.»
José Crespo