Cruz de los Llanos de Mafasca

Across the arid expanse of Fuerteventura, whispers of the Cruz de los Llanos de Mafasca echo through time. This unassuming wooden cross, inscribed with “Anno MCMI Ihesu Christi,” stands as a silent witness to the island’s rich tapestry of folklore. The Cruz de los Llanos de Mafasca isn’t merely a religious symbol. It’s a focal point for the enigmatic “Luz de Mafasca,” a mysterious light said to wander the plains. Many stories attempt to explain this phenomenon. One popular tale speaks of two escaped slaves who, driven by hunger, roasted a stolen sheep using the wood of a sacred cross. As punishment for this sacrilege, their souls were condemned to eternally roam Mafasca, manifesting as the flickering light. Another version links the light to a vengeful shepherd who met a similar fate after desecrating a cross. The Cruz de los Llanos de Mafasca, erected in 1901, serves as a reminder of these tales. Its presence adds another layer to the eerie atmosphere of the plains. Imagine walking these silent plains at night, the wind whispering tales of the wandering light. The story of the Cruz de los Llanos de Mafasca intertwines with the very landscape. It’s a place where the line between the natural and supernatural blurs, where the whispers of the past continue to captivate and intrigue. The very name “Mafasca” adds to the mystique. Local lore suggests that the name originates from a woman named “Mafrasca” who ran a small inn near the plains. This inn served as a resting place for funeral processions. It was at this crossroads, near the inn, that the Cruz de los Llanos de Mafasca was eventually placed. This location, steeped in both life and death, further connects the cross to the ethereal legends of the wandering light. So, as you stand before the Cruz de los Llanos de Mafasca, remember the tales it embodies. It is more than just a cross; it’s a testament to Fuerteventura’s enduring fascination with the unexplained, a tangible link to the island’s vibrant and often mysterious soul.