My patrons asked me to cook some mole and two turkeys. I was feeling bad to kill birds. I thank Saint Paschal because I convinced my patrons to have another dish and they even gave me those two turkeys as a gift. I took them back to my hut, and I’m very glad.

Asuncion Toxqui ~ Cholula, Puebla

Rosario Hernandez was in love with the foreman of the ranch. She asked Saint Paschal for help and managed to made the foreman fell in love with her, with her dishes. She dedicates this retablo for that, with great faith and devotion.

Tecamachalco, Puebla

Susana Monroy, a bearded lady, wishes to wholeheartedly thank the Lord of Araro because she’s been performing in the Huandacareo circus for more over 20 years. Her children, all famous clowns and acrobats, were born here. She met her love here as well—the Taquito clown with whom she visited distant places of the Republic and Central America.

Huandacareo, Michoacan, 1967

I loved my girlfriend very much. That’s why when she proposed me to play sadomasochist sex games I agreed. I thank Saint Elias for giving me strength to break up with her because I couldn’t stand the pain from so much lashing. She passed all bounds and vented her frustration on me using me as a sex object. And then I realized she doesn’t really love me.

Javier N.

I liked my neighbor very much, and she responded me. But we were secretly seeing each other for she had a grumpy and violent father who didn’t let her to have a boyfriend. One night I climbed to her room to see her, and her father caught us by surprise with a pistol in his hand. I thank Saint Raymond for illuminating me to act like a sleep-walker. With his divine help, her father believed it, so I saved my skin.

Nepomuceno Diaz / Zacatecas, Mexico

I admired a famous model of men’s magazines. She was my platonic love. I dedicate this retablo to the Lord of the Wonders because one day she entered my repair shop when her car had broken down near by. It was the best day of my life. My dream to meet her came true, and she even gave me her autograph, and I took a photo with her.

Felix Romero \ Puebla, Mexico

We dedicate the present retablo, with deep gratitude, to the Lord of the Wonders for always giving us his protection during our performance of the Dance of Huahuas. We perform it for many years, and thanks to his blessing we have never had any falls or accidents.

The Toxqui family — Zacapoaxtla, Puebla

My husband was a football fan. He used to come home and turn on the TV first thing to watch his games. He didn’t pay me any attention and never had time for the intimacy. I was so desperate, I even thought about asking for a divorce. I fervently prayed Saint Charbel, and little by little my husband’s sport fever went down. Now he’s a more loving and, above all, fulfilling husband.

Sandra Cruz — Torreon, Coahuila

I dedicate the present exvoto to Saint Marinus in gratitude for my husband hasn’t found out about my secret relationship with his son—my step-son. I married for financial reasons because I was always poor. But it’s his son whom I madly and passionately in love with. Our love will always be forbidden, but we’ll cherish it with great discretion.

I’m infinitely grateful to Saint Paul the Apostle for having met Leo. He is my best client, and the last time he ordered me to be together he told me that it’d be our last time because he had to leave the country for work. But he was so generous, that the next day he surprised me by presenting me a car which will be a big help for me.

Rubi

In 1925, a terrible accident happened when the bus, which young Frida Kahlo was traveling in, crashed into a tram. I was present at the moment. I thank Our Holy Mother of Guadalupe because the young girls survived and became a great painter.

Juana Cruz, Mexico City

The other day, while cleaning the windows of an eight-story building, I saw pretty girls dancing zumba in one apartment. I was staring at them like an idiot, and I slipped and almost fell down. I entrusted myself to Saint Augustine who saved me from the danger and gave me the strength to climb back up. I promise him to be careful and concentrated at my work.

Claudio Gonzalez \ Mexico City

I dedicate this humble retablo to Saint Jude Thaddeus thanking him for having a job as a piñata maker. In spite of living in modern age and passing of time, this beautiful tradition of piñatas goes on and I can keep on making them as my father and grafter taught me.

Fidencio Salazar ~ Aguascalientes, Mexico