I like to practice when the circus is empty because I could listen little angels fluttering. They guard me and always fly around. I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for sending them to me.

Antonio Pantoja gives thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe for saving him from death when a lion attacked him during his lion taming act in the circus. He brings this retablo in gratitude.

January 6, 1985

The ringmaster of “Circo Godinez” thanks Saint Rita of Cascia because his kids, Jacinta and Benjamin, had a successful debut with acrobatic stunts on the horses. They received a round of applause and felt very proud and happy for such a great achievement.

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for I can earn my living deign what I like to do, to make people laugh. Not everyone can live as I do. And this life makes me feel happy.

I thank the Virgin of Chapi because, although I didn’t find a cure for my rare disease that made my skin elastic, I found a job on a carnival. I have a very nice routine and I am known as “The man with the rubber skin”.

Mr. Antonio thanks the Virgin of Guadalupe because his heart got better and he can continue to work as a clown to entertain the kids.

Coco Verde Clown
Mexico City, 1950

Our elephant was always very obedient. But April 3, 1962, it got furious. We thank the Virgin of Guadalupe because we didn’t get hurt and the animal finally calmed down.

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe for giving me the determination to quit my office job and to go to work with my dog in the circus. That’s what I really enjoy to do, so now I’m happy.

My daughter and I went to the night performance in the circus. When we came out we saw the cages with the animals. And there we met a lion who had escaped. Thanks to the Virgin of Guadalupe the lion only roared, sniffed at us and then went away. I’m sure he didn’t like my perfume and it didn’t whet his appetite. We thank the Virgin with this retablo for saved us from being lion’s dinner.

I thank the Holy Heart for saving me when I fell off the horse.

I thank the Virgin of Guadalupe because my lions obey me without any problem. Thanks to that I have a success performing in circuses all around the country.

September 25, 1957

The trapeze artist Cipriano Mendoza gives thanks to Saint Charbel with this humble retablo for protecting him on the day of his debut in the circus. He was very nervous and frighten to fall down but everything went very well.

Queretaro, 1967

One freak escaped from the circus. Thanks to the Virgin he didn’t do any harm to me.

Rosa