Iconic Veracruz sculptures 'The Fishermen' and 'The Couple of Jarochos' found in warehouse

Veracruz, Mexico – The beloved bronze sculptures "Los Pescadores" (The Fishermen) and "La Pareja de Jarochos" (The Couple of Jarochos), which had vanished from the port of Veracruz, have been located. Authorities discovered the artworks inside a warehouse at the city's Ecological Park, bringing relief to a community that values its urban heritage.

Municipal officials have announced that specialists will now evaluate the physical condition of the sculptures. This assessment will determine the necessary maintenance and restoration work required to preserve these significant pieces of art. "Los Pescadores" traditionally honors the fishing activity that has defined the region's identity, while "La Pareja de Jarochos" depicts a couple in traditional Veracruz attire, celebrating local culture.

Once the restoration process is complete, the Veracruz City Council plans to engage with residents. They will seek public input on potential locations for the sculptures' reinstallation, aiming to make them accessible once more to families and visitors. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Mayor Rosa María Hernández Espejo to recover and protect the city's urban heritage.

The city's Public Spaces department is overseeing this process, which also includes conservation efforts for other city sculptures. This includes reinforcing the structure and anchors of the Benny Moré statue and conducting regular inspections to prevent vandalism. The council has also addressed damage to other monuments, such as the Monument to Cuauhtémoc, from which bronze elements were stolen, and an attempted theft of a plaque at the Obelisk to the Fallen Heroes of 1914.

To date, the Ayuntamiento has intervened in 18 statues and monuments. They have also updated and expanded the registry of 43 pieces located in the Historic Center, incorporating those in other areas to create a comprehensive inventory that aids in their ongoing care throughout the municipality.

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With these works, we seek to recover and protect the urban heritage of the city of Veracruz.