Severino Rodriguez faced a martian who got into his room and defended my woman Gretta with a head-butt.

Mexico — December 9, 1980

When I came to work to the Orozcos’ house, I had a lot of troubles with Rosa who was the former cook. She got jealous because my dishes tasted better than hers. So she started to spoil my food. I thank Saint Paschal Baylon for the masters noticed it and scolded her before committing an injustice to me. Finally, I was left in peace.

Filomena Salazar \ Zacatlan, Puebla

Señor A. J. got an idea to get naked in front of the municipal president to protest. He was beaten and thrown in jail. He thanks Saint Ignatius of Loyola with this retablo for getting out and promises not to be so witty.

The Virgin and a dolphin saved me from the attack of an octopus.

Since I married my Elenita, her nosy mother came to live with us because she couldn’t live without her daughter. Our marriage was a hell because that lady always gave her opinion on everything and wanted the things done her way. We couldn’t even have intimacy. I’m thanking Saint Raymond with the present retablo because my wife finally realized that the marriage is for two only and asked her mother to move out. That day we had a party.

Ivan Perez \ Torreon, Coahuila

Inocencio Fernandez was in the bar, being well drunk after a lot of mezcal. He began to see many skeletons around him. One of them asked him “Why you are alone?” It was the Death in person who tried to take him. He thanks Saint Michael for he could escape, running out of the bar, safe and sound before he died on that November 2. He promised to amend his ways.

Angelica X was a stripper, and she liked to perform with a boa. But one day it almost choked her. She thanks Saint Francis with this retablo for she was saved in time and promises to leave this profession.

In times of the Revolution, there was a very tough battle in my village, and I became an orphan. One day I met the general Emiliano Zapata himself and humbly asked him for help. I thank the Virgin of San Juan for having sent him to me, because he took me with him and gave me many advices that made me into a hardworking, loyal and brave man.

Maclovio Lopez ~ Jonacatepec, Morelos

The night of November 16, 1974, all the dogs began to howl. We went out and saw the Weeping Woman floating over our houses. We entrusted ourselves to the Virgin of Guadalupe, and thanks to her this vision vanished in the night.

The Jimenez mariachi band got in a fight with the Rodriguez mariachi band. They kicked each other well. They thank Saint Cecily for having settled their differences and promise not to be so gruff.

I dedicate this retablo to Saint Jude Thaddeus for the long life and good health of Clive Barker. He got the thrill of the horror movies and created a beauty that no-one could match. I admire his work and find joy and inspiration in the darkest corners of his imagination.

Señora Adriana Jimenez used to steal clothes of other people until one day she was caught and got what she deserved. She thanks Saint Rita with this retablo for she wasn’t thrown in jail and promises to amend.

Delfina Rosas dedicates this retablo to the Virgin of the Solitude thanking her for fulfilling her dream—to participate in the celebrations of the Guelaguetza this year. It’s so exciting to be a part of such an important and beautiful Oaxacan tradition.

Oaxaca, Mexico