April 27, 1956, in Colonia Doctores, the new Arena Mexico, considered the Cathedral of lucha libre wrestling, was inaugurated. Among the stars were El Santo and El Medico Asesino (Medic Killer) who were the most notable wrestlers in the TV reports. Together they won over the Blue Demon and Rolando Vera. It was the first time I went to the wrestling.

Delfino Hernandez

Roberto Sanchez, a juggler clown, got his mug polished by three blokes for being rude. He thanks Saint James for this valuable lesson and promise to be polite and respectful.

Super butcher shop “The happy piglet”
Home delivery

I testimony of my gratitude I dedicate this retablo to Saint Martin the Cavalryman thanking him for the good clients of my butcher shop. The people praise me for the quality of my meat, and I can provide good quality of living for my family.

Fortino Islas \ Puebla

My husband is a pretty boring type. But once a week he becomes a devil. I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe because these days make me happier and liven our marriage up not letting it getting worse too much.

The angels and the demons were fighting in my head every time I had to remember about the painful past and the mistakes. They were making such noise and racket that I was afraid to go insane. I asked the Virgin of the Rosary for her intervention, and she came to establish order. She sent the demons back to the hell and the angels to do something useful at the heaven. They left my head, and now I can forgive and forget my past and have piece.

I worked as a bartender in a restaurant, but it went bankrupt and was closed. I was left without job. I thank Saint Charbel for I was taken to work in a famous nightclub for men. I’m very happy because apart from making more money, the beautiful girls who work there delight the eye.

Mateo N. — Guadalajara, Mexico

When Jasinta Ramirez was swimming in the river, two chaneques appeared and chased her. She implored Saint Jude and, despite being in her bare skin, arrived safely to her hut. She thanks for that bringing this retablo.

Puebla, 1918

Notes:
Chaneque are legendary creatures in Mexican folklore. They are conceived of as small, sprite-like beings, elemental forces and guardians of nature.

Casildo Perez thanks the Virgin of Guadalupe who saved him from a monster who came in a flying hat.

Xaltocan, 1937

Ricardo Gutierrez was painting a graffiti on a wall. A neighbor got angry and let his doberman loose on him. With this retablo, he thanks Saint Benedict because his wounds have been healed and he didn’t get any infection. He promises to ask for permission next time.

One day I went fishing in my little boat. When I pulled out the net, to my greatest surprise ever, there was a giant squid trapped in it. I’m infinitely grateful to Saint Peter for being able to pull the squid to the boat because it was very heavy and, furthermore, for managing to sell it. I became very famous among the fishermen in the region for my great feat.

Delfino Rios
Baja California Sur, Mexico

Laura and Catalina Peña were in a bad financial position. But since they were good pastry cooks, they had an idea of selling cakes. They thank Saint Paschal Baylon, a patron saint of cooks, because now they make enough money to support themselves and even to save something for hard times and also to treat themselves time to time.

A terrible whirlwind ran over the ranch. Thanks, Virgin, for everything was recovered.

I thank Saint Thomas Aquinas with this retablo for Adrienne Barbeau’s talent and beauty. Also, I thank him for keeping her safe during a difficult film shooting in the swampy waters full of snakes and insects.

Fernando Rivera — Mexico City