Who is the grandmother and matriarch of the Madrigal family?

The grandmother and matriarch of the Madrigal family is Abuela Alma Madrigal.

Alma is the mother of Julieta, Pepa, and Bruno, and the grandmother of Mirabel, Isabela, Luisa, Dolores, Camilo, and Antonio. She leads the family and feels responsible for protecting the miracle that created their home and powers.

Alma’s story begins when she and Pedro flee their village during an armed conflict. Pedro dies while helping his family escape, and the candle she carries becomes magical. That miracle creates Casita and the Encanto, where the Madrigals establish a new community.

Her determination to preserve the miracle shapes the family’s daily life. She expects each gifted relative to serve the village, but her pressure also makes several family members hide their fears and frustrations. Mirabel’s confrontation with Alma forces her to recognize this harm. After they reconcile, Alma helps rebuild the family’s home and repair their relationships.

“Abuela” means “grandmother” in Spanish, while Alma Madrigal is her character’s full name.