I thank Saint Raymond Nonnatus fro delivering us from yabbering Tila Maria Sesto’s gossips when she caught us, me and my buddy, watching soccer in underwear. She almost gave us stomach pain when we saw her, and we almost spoiled our underpants. She started to say that we were motherfuckers. But no, I went to my buddy’s house because he has such a big TV-device and a fan from the heat. I ordered to paint Melo Colli in gratitude.

Merida, Yucatan, 2009

Notes:
This retablo is not for wide audience. There are local Yucatan comedians Tila Maria Sesto and Melo Colli mentioned here. The caption also contains Yucatan expression such as:

He-lé — expression of negation or simply “no”.

Isidoro Sanchez was sick and tired of his wife and mother-in-law treating him like a servant and commanding in his own house. That’s why he entrusted himself, with all his might and faith, to Saint Raymond so as the things would change. As he promised, he brings the present retablo giving thanks because now he’s the one in charge.

Merida, Yucatan

I always enjoyed the speed and strong emotions. But then I got in a terrible crash on my motorcycle. I suffered multiple fractures and spent several weeks in the hospital. I dedicate this retablo to Saint Ignatius of Loyola thanking him for that crash because that way I met a gorgeous nurse who made my recovery very pleasant. Now, when I’m recovered I’ve even invited her to go dancing.

Ricardo Salas \ Merida, Yucatan

I bring this humble retablo to Saint Patrick for having won the prize of the contest of eating more chiles habanero in less time. I also thank for not getting gastritis. This spicy gig was worth it because with this money I can pay a knee surgery for my mom who cannot walk. And I’d do everything for her.

José Castillo \ Mérida, Yucatán

Since I lost my job and we didn’t have enough money to pay our rent, my wife and I had to move with her mother. My mother-in-law was a dressmaker, and she didn’t like that I stayed in her house doing nothing. So she asked me to be her model. I thank Saint Sebastian for my friends and relatives never found out that I was trying on dresses, so I kept it in secret.

Guillermo R. \ Merida, Yucatan

I always enjoyed the speed and strong emotions. But then I got in a terrible crash on my motorcycle. I suffered multiple fractures and spent several weeks in the hospital. I dedicate this retablo to Saint Barbara thanking her for that crash because that way I met a gorgeous nurse who made my recovery very pleasant. Now, when I’m recovered I’ve even invited her to go dancing.

Ricardo Salas \ Merida, Yucatan

One day I was walking my dog Spike, when some angry dogs scared him. I couldn’t hold him, he broke his leash, ran away and got lost. I was desperately looking for him for weeks, searching in all the neighborhoods of the city but with no luck. Then I entrusted myself to Saint Anthony the Great, and he made the miracle—I found my Spike safe and sound. I’m infinitely thankful for that.

Elías Cruz
Merida, Yucatan

I was very hurt because my boyfriend had cheated on me with another woman. So the other night, I went to drink at the bar. But I drank too much and totally lost my good sense. The next morning, I woke up in a motel room with a stranger. I thank Saint Elias for I didn’t get pregnant nor did I catch any sexually transmitted disease. I promise to be more responsible and not to do such stupid things anymore.

Ericka R.
Mérida, Yucatán

My husband was very bad with the intimate things. He was thinking only about his job and his office things. Meanwhile, little by little, I began to feel attraction to his beautiful boss when my husband invited him to our house for dinner. One night, when the boss sent my husband in a business trip, we had a love affair and I got pregnant. I thank Saint Augustine because my husband thinks it’s his baby. I ask you to not let him ever find out about my infidelity.

Laura N.
Merida, Yucatan

I went on vacation during the Holy Week. I was passing along the beach when I saw two very handsome guys playing in the sea. I start flirting with them and accidentally step on a lobster. The lobster pinched my leg, defending itself. I thank Jesus Nazarene for the cut wasn’t very serious. I promise not to flier on holy days.

Adelaida Ortega
Merida, Yucatan