I went for a walk with Ramon, and an angry bull started to chase us. Ramon jumped over the fence leaving me with the furious animal. I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for two things. First, for I was able to get over the fence and save myself from the bull. Second, for letting me see what type of man I was dealing with. He didn’t care about my safety. And I even considered marrying this man.

Josefina

I offer this retablo to the Lord of Chalma in a sign of gratitude for protecting me from a bull that I got in corrida and which happened to be very angry. I thought it would end badly for me on the bullfight-ring.

Porfirio Moctezuma
Oaxaca

Virgin of Ocotlan, I dedicate this retablo to you in order to tell everybody about your favor. I was hauling a fighting bull down to the Huamantlada. Suddenly it got rebel and hit me with his corn. I was scared that I might have gangrene in my leg. I entrusted myself to you and now I thank you for my recovery.

Pancho M.
Tlaxcala, 2005

Huamantlada is a festive running of the bulls held in the town of Huamantla.

1910, at the Sieneguilla ranch, a pair of oxen was stolen from Sebastian Aguilar. He prayed to Saint John the Evangelist and three days later he found them at the place called Ystaclala. Filled with faith and gratitude, he and his wife offer this retablo.

Alejandro Cervantes wanted to show off in front of a chick and went to bullfight in the field totally naked. However, the bull took it seriously, and Alejandro almost lost his manliness. He thanks Saint James with this retablo for the recovery.

Pascual Rosas gives this ex-voto to the Virgin of Guadalupe for saving me from the highland bull’s corn when I was attacked by him near the dry well. I was going to the Rodriguez’ ranch when this was happened.