Las Caras de Bélmez: el enigma de su origen 54 años después y una nueva hipótesis biológica

The Phenomenon of the Faces in Belme

Initial Discovery and Public Reaction

• In August 1971, a small village with few inhabitants experienced a significant event when unusual faces appeared, attracting media attention and curious onlookers.

• The first face discovered was large, causing initial fear among locals who decided to remove it by breaking it apart, leading to the emergence of smaller faces.

Investigations and Findings

• Over time, the appearance of these faces changed; they seemed to evolve or transform, prompting investigations that uncovered human-like bones but no complete skulls.

• A German researcher attempted to analyze one of the faces but could not determine its origin after extensive laboratory testing.

Ongoing Mysteries and Speculations

• Despite numerous studies over decades, no definitive explanation for the phenomenon has been established; many theories exist regarding their nature.

• Some believe the faces are mere paintings created by artists; however, ongoing investigations have failed to disprove their authenticity.

Community Engagement and Maintenance

• The local community remains engaged with visitors interested in viewing the faces. They manage contributions from tourists without soliciting funds directly.

• As family members take turns maintaining access for visitors, there is uncertainty about how best to preserve this unique phenomenon moving forward.

Hypotheses Regarding Causes

• Various hypotheses exist about the origins of the faces; one novel theory suggests a link between their appearance and a bacterial infection suffered by a local woman at that time.

• The proposed bacteria, Proteus mirabilis, could explain both the emergence of the faces and their progressive changes due to its ability to infect soil and cement.

Bacterial Properties and Implications

• This bacterium can create biofilms that protect it from disinfectants like bleach, complicating efforts to eliminate it from affected areas.

• Understanding these properties may provide insights into why such phenomena persist over long periods despite attempts at investigation or eradication.