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”.

The other night, I heard a lot of noice out of my garage. I got very scared that it might be a thief stealing my car that I’d just bought. I thank Saint Pancras for it was only my daughter making out with her boyfriend. I didn’t want them ruin my car, so I preferred to give them money to go to a hotel.

Horacio Lopez \ Yucatan, Mexico

Señora Josefina thanks Saint Charbel wit this exvoto for the 30th anniversary of her professional performing the traditional dance Jarana Yucateca, along with the folklore dance group that she founded and which three her sons participate in. They make her very proud because they inherited her passion for dance.

Yucatan, Mexico

I’m an American and I’m fascinated by the pre-hispanic cultures of Mexico. Every year I traveled to Mexico on my vacation and I’ve visited Monte Alban, Teotihuacan, Tula, Bonampak. But this year I’ve had to cancel everything because of the coronavirus pandemic. I beg Saint Christopher, patron saint of the travelers, to find a cure from COVID-19 sooner so I could visit the great Chichen Itza in Yucatan.

James White, 2020

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

Fortunately, I was’t in my boat when these mermaids tried to abduct me. I thank Saint Mary.

Yucatan, 1951

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 had many horrifying dreams with blood, being surrounded by demons and people with skinless bodies. But my faith in you saved me. Thanks.

Rosario Coral
Ixil, 1947

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

I was catching some shrimps, when suddenly an alligator appeared. I was frightened, because I only had a knife. I prayed the Virgin of Sorrows, and she showed her mercy. She helped me, because all of a sudden a good man with a pistol came and saved me.

Miguel Limantor Rocha
Yucatan — July 10, 1954

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

Holy Child of the Virgin of Help, thank you for helping me out that night, on November 1. I didn’t make an altar for all the faithful departed. When I went to sleep the Death himself dressed as Catrina visited me. I pretended to be asleep and prayed to you, divine Child, until the Death was gone.

Yucatan, Mexico, 1932

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