With machete in hands we rose up to fight for our land rejecting the construction of the airport and ridiculous expropriation. We knew we weren’t alone and with the blessing of the Virgin of Guadalupe we would achieve what we wanted. We showed them that we weren’t going to sit on our hands and we would defend our land with our lives if it would be necessary.

The people of San Salvador Atenco, state of Mexico
August 1, 2002

In 2002, there were protests in San Salvador Atenco. The violent mass protests against federal and local government were caused by the planned construction of a new international airport for Mexico City. The construction of the airport was cancelled.

I offer this retablo to the Holy Child of Atocha because my leg has been healed. I got it crushed by a wheel of the canon I was in charge of by the order of the general Felipe Angeles. It happened on the Grillo mountain when we were taking Zacatecas on the evening of July 23, 1914. The city was taken by my general Francisco Villa, and I prayed that my leg wouldn’t have get gangrene. Now I offer this retablo to tell about your favor.

Bartolo Coronel from Fresnillo, Zacatecaz
December 24, 1914

I thank the Niñopa because the hipsters started to get interested in the products of small local farmers to prepare their tasty garnachas with organic food. So now my chinampas in Xochimilko, that I always had, help me to pay for the Estefany’s 15th birthday party.

Your faithful and devoted old chilango.
Xochimilko, Mexico City
July 2014

I offer this retablo to Saint Raymond Nonnatus. I’m lucky because my wife at home doesn’t know about my affairs, and she’ll forgive me if she find out about my secret pleasures.

Mr. Felt
Mexico City
June 10, 2003

I dedicate this retablo to the Virgin of the Solitude because I managed to work another year on this angle to send money back to Oaxaca to my parents so they wouldn’t lack anything. I beg from the bottom of my heart to look after them for me.

Morena
Merced, Mexico City — May 10, 2009

Oh my Lord, my eternal Father, who took him in the kingdom of heaven, may his soul rest in peace near by you. Send comfort to his parents, brothers and friends who will always remember him as Alex was a great friend. Rest with god.

Nancy N. and his friends from Milagros alley, Lagunilla, Mexico.
August 2002

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe because I was tested negative for AIDS, so I can continue to work as a prostitute to pay for my husband’s spine surgery and to provide for my family.

Magdalena Rubio
Merced, Mexico City, 1990

In the name of all women in the world I dedicate this ex-voto to the Holy Cross for those women who were cowardly killed in Juarez, Chihuahua. I ask you with sorrow in my heart to receive their souls and present them to paradise. And let this evil stop. Protect women from it. May all the women be blessed. One more Mexican is asking you.

Alfredo Vilchis R.
Minas de Cristo, Mexico, 2004

The Holy Virgin of Guadalupe we thank. We thank for we met and knew each other on the road of the art. We share our knowledge and our work in order to save this precious tradition of the ex-voto, which tells us the history of our beloved Mexico. Because the art is a miracle of God.

Corner of the miracles, Mexico City
Elin Luque A. & Alfredo Vilchis
June 1, 2004. Tuesday

I dedicate this retablo to you, Virgin of Guadalupe, for the love of my mother, who used to lull me in her rebozo-shawl until I fell asleep. She sang me lullabies while working as a laundress, washing clothes. She loved this rebozo so much that she wore it till her death. When I see a rebozo, it calls up these sweet memories about my mother, doña Carmelita, whom I never forget.

Alfredo Vilchis Roque
April 10, 2013

We thank the Virgin of Guadalupe, because, after trying so hard, my husband finally got a credit to buy this house. Make it so that he save his job and give us health and love, and happiness.

The Ruiz Vilchis family
Geovillas de Terranova, Acolman
November 13, 2004

I thank the Archangel of the Neighborhood for guiding my son Pancho on the righteous way. In such young age he was already an alcoholic, and it was breaking our hearts. He got involved with bad company and had a lot of problems. He made all family suffer, because we love him so much. With all his heart, he swore to stop drinking. We ask you to help him in that.

Grateful parents
Tacubaya, Mexico City
May 10, 2000

Who is without sin, speak up now or forever hold your peace, because for love everything is permitted. To those who sinned because of love.