Spanish Folk Figure. One of his country's most famous characters in popular culture, Pedro Pascual Martínez was the canon cantor of the chapter of the cathedral of Calahorra. Sponsoring the construction of a hospital for the poor and lending money to anyone in need, the canon was considered as a good man. On October 1, 1352, "El Chantre" died tragically as he was passing by the church of San Nicolás, presently dedicated to the Espíritu Santo, when a sandbag fell of his head. Legend has it that it was purposely thrown on to him by his blood brother Santiago out of envy for his kindness. In 1370, the "Cofradía del Chantre" was founded in order to aide the hospital built by Martínez. The foundation remained active for centuries, until 1804, when it became integrated with the old hospital of Santiago. The canon's body remains preserved to this day inside the cathedral of Calahorra, visible in an urn. Originally buried at the church of San Juan in Miranda de Ebro, another legend has it that his incorrupt body was washed three times by the waters of the Ebro river in the regular floods and thrice deposited in front of the cathedral church of Santa María, which circumstances led to locals to decide to leave him there. It is said that to this day, his hair and nails keep growing regularly.
Spanish Folk Figure. One of his country's most famous characters in popular culture, Pedro Pascual Martínez was the canon cantor of the chapter of the cathedral of Calahorra. Sponsoring the construction of a hospital for the poor and lending money to anyone in need, the canon was considered as a good man. On October 1, 1352, "El Chantre" died tragically as he was passing by the church of San Nicolás, presently dedicated to the Espíritu Santo, when a sandbag fell of his head. Legend has it that it was purposely thrown on to him by his blood brother Santiago out of envy for his kindness. In 1370, the "Cofradía del Chantre" was founded in order to aide the hospital built by Martínez. The foundation remained active for centuries, until 1804, when it became integrated with the old hospital of Santiago. The canon's body remains preserved to this day inside the cathedral of Calahorra, visible in an urn. Originally buried at the church of San Juan in Miranda de Ebro, another legend has it that his incorrupt body was washed three times by the waters of the Ebro river in the regular floods and thrice deposited in front of the cathedral church of Santa María, which circumstances led to locals to decide to leave him there. It is said that to this day, his hair and nails keep growing regularly.
Bio by: Eman Bonnici
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