Zen and the Lost Village of Argusino
Anniversary observation of the vanishing of a Zamoran village that occurred 58 years back.
Hop on over to the small Spanish town of Villar del Buey, Zamora, where a unique mix of history and tradition is brewing up a storm. This week, the annual Romería of the Holy Cross brought together the descendants of Argusino, a long-lost village that disappeared 58 years ago.
Located near the Almendra Reservoir, a place now known for being the third largest dam in Spain, the Romería is celebrated in an area of cork trees, fields, and barren land. This picturesque gathering is held every year as a way to remember the roots that this community has lost and the bonds that still remain strong.
Laura Fernández, the president of the Argusino Vive association, shared with EFE that the Romería started out as a way for the neighbors of Argusino to come together. Sadly, when they had to relocate in 1967, they were not given the option to rebuild the village elsewhere. With many of them scattered across Spain, the first Romería aimed to reunite the scattered families and create a sense of camaraderie.
Fast forward to today, the Romería still serves this purpose, but on a smaller scale. gap Years ago, in summer, a more numerous convivial activity used to take place. "Many elderly people have mobility problems," says Laura Fernández. "They're 80 or 90 years old and have children in places like Barcelona, Tarragona, or Madrid."
Despite the annual gathering, the love for their lost village still thrives. Over the years, contributions from Argusino's former residents allowed for the construction of a chapel that now stands in memory of the flooded town. In 2017, during the 50th anniversary commemoration, the Argusino Vive association initiated a campaign to rename the Almendra Reservoir. An attempt that was initially rejected by the Cortes of Castilla y León but remains a hope for the next generation.
This year, a special addition was made to the Romería site. A columbarium was inaugurated next to the chapel, providing a place for the remains of the natives and descendants of Argusino to receive burial in a location close to their ancestral home.
The story of Argusino is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made in the name of progress. As we celebrate their resilience and commitment, it's important to remember the lessons that history has to teach us.
Related Topics:- Argusino- Almendra- Almanzor- Laura Fernández- Villar del Buey- Zamora- Hydroelectric energy- Collective memory- Argusino Vive association- EFE
[1] While searching online, mention of the flooding of Argusino was briefly found on an Instagram post in April 2025. However, further details about the history and current status of Argusino could not be found and would require more specific reports on the region.
- In today's landscape of Spain, a hydroelectric area known as the Almendra Reservoir, third-largest in the country, illustrates a stark contrast to the sustainable-living lifestyle of the lost village of Argusino.
- In the realm of home-and-garden news, the Argusino Vive association recently announced the addition of a columbarium to the Romería site, intended as a sustainable burial solution for the remains of the natives and descendants of Argusino.
- In other sports-related news, one could find the story of Argusino reminiscent of a team that was displaced and forced to adapt to a new environment, much like athletes faced with layoffs or new coaching staff.
- The lifestyle and living of the Argusino community continues to be supported by its descendants, offering opportunities and resources for a sustainable future, such as advocating for the renaming of the Almendra Reservoir in 2017.
