Candela, who is also known by the name Sombra, is a central character in the anime adaptation of Marcelino, Pan y Vino. She is depicted as a young girl, often described as a gitanilla, which means a young gypsy girl, and her distinctive attire reflects this background. Candela holds the important role of being Marcelino’s first friend and is introduced at the very beginning of his story, helping to explain how he arrived at the monastery and was adopted by the monks. She serves as a protective figure throughout the series, accompanying the young protagonist on his many adventures as he searches for his mother.

The most notable and mysterious aspect of Candela is her supernatural connection to her own shadow. Her shadow possesses the unique ability to move independently from her body. It is not merely a detached silhouette; this shadow, which is sometimes referred to as if it were a separate entity named Shadow, can actively transform into various objects. This fantastical power gives her a magical presence in the story and provides Marcelino with a sense of wonder and guidance.

Candela's personality is characterized by her loyalty and her protective instincts toward Marcelino. She is consistently presented as a great friend and ally, accompanying him as he interacts with the friars at the monastery and the animals that live in the surrounding forests. Her motivations are closely tied to Marcelino's well-being; she is devoted to helping him and often provides him with clues or direction. In this way, she acts as a mysterious guide who helps the curious boy navigate his world.

Her key relationships are primarily with Marcelino, whom she befriends and protects, and indirectly with the monastic community that raises him. While the monks care for Marcelino, Candela represents a connection to the world outside the monastery walls and to the more magical and unexplained elements of the series. Her role in the story is to be a constant companion and protector, using her strange powers to assist Marcelino in his journey. Over the course of the series, she develops from a mysterious figure who first explains his past into a trusted and essential companion, proving herself to be a loyal friend who stands by him through his various trials. Her notable ability remains her control over her independent shadow, a power that allows it to move and transform freely, setting her apart as a character who bridges the natural world of the monastery and the magical realm of Marcelino’s adventures.