What object gives the Madrigals their magical powers?

The object that gives the Madrigals their magical powers is the magic candle.

The miracle begins when Alma Madrigal and her husband, Pedro, flee their Colombian village with their triplets during an armed conflict. Pedro sacrifices himself so Alma and their children can escape. The candle Alma carries becomes magical, drives away the attackers, and creates Casita and the protected valley known as the Encanto.

The candle then serves as the visible heart of the family’s miracle. When each Madrigal child turns five, the magic provides a special gift and a magical room. The family uses those gifts to help their community, although Mirabel does not receive one.

A common mix-up is naming Casita as the source of the powers. Casita is a magical, living house created by the miracle, but the candle is the object traditionally shown sustaining it. When the candle goes out, the family temporarily loses its gifts; after the house is rebuilt, the miracle returns.