I got this great idea to propose to my Chabelita in a trajinera-boat at Xochimilco. I thought it would be very romantic. But then I got so nervous I slipped and I fell into the lake. I give infinite thanks to Saint Anthony of Padua because I didn’t lose the ring—it fell inside the boat—and, despite this embarrassing moment, my fiancée said “yes” and made me very happy.

Genaro Roldan, Mexico City

Guillermo Torres give thanks to Saint Anthony for helping him to find his true love with Erick Joan who in three months showed him that he can cook very deliciously. God forgives him for being faggots but he asks to let them be happy for many years.

Villa de Cortes, August 30, 2021

I lived alone with my dog on a piece of land almost entirely surrounded by water, and we were happy in our world. One day, when sea ran high, we saved a beautiful girl from the water. Her boat had sunk. Since the moment we saw her, we feel in love with her, and she returned our love some time later. Now three of us live in this small and beautiful world of sand and sea.

I pay the universe with this retablo because a star fell down from the sky. It was the brightest star, and it turned into a woman who keeps me a company as my partner, always full of love and light. I will be in love with her for hundred years more.

We thank Saint Sebastian for making our relationship official before the society, without hiding it anymore, and for living it with happiness that we both wished for.

Luisa and Ana
Col. Condeza, Oct. 2016

In Puebla, in 1945, in the pulqueria bar “Beautiful Elena”, my son fell in love with a lady. They moved together, but she befuddled him and made him a fool by going to another man. That’s why I implored the Virgin of the Solitude, and then my son was cured which I’m infinitely thankful for.

R. S.

I thank Saint Peter for letting Salome Pineda who died in a car accident to come and eat the offerings on October 28, the day of the killed. I told her how much I love her and that she shouldn’t worry and that I look after her two sons from her third marriage.

The cuckold, 28–10–2000

I’m thankful and grateful to the Virgin of Guadalupe for giving me the opportunity and for opening the eyes of my animal side to be able to communicate with the natural world. Thanks because I’ve met my soul mate and my life now is filled with love and positive vibes. Eric the octopus and I dedicate this retablo.

Tulum, 1986

My brother was very jealous and was kicking all my suitors out. I was worried and afraid that I might end up being an old maid. I thank the Virgin of San Juan, with all my heart, because one day came the revolutionaries and took my brother to fight along with them. So now I can relax with my beloved one.

Yolanda Garcia — Piedras Negras, Coahuila

I thank and order to make this retablo to the Holy Niño Fidencio and Holy Girl Aurorita for giving me the gift to fell madly in love when Ali went with me to a bonsai expo. When I saw her, I was completely captivated. Now we buy plants together, save dogs and always go to drink pulque.

Saint Francis, thank you for your favors. I remember when I met Damian he was a very timid boy. I told him that he has a baby-face, but it turned out that he was the same age as me. He was very shy, and when I talked with him he went beet red. One time some University fellows invited us to a party. Most of them brought their girlfriends. Damian asked me why I didn’t bring mine. I told him that I don’t like women. Then he said “What a coincidence, neither do I”. That’s how we became a couple. I thank for having fallen in love.

Osvaldo Gomez, 1966

I thank the Holy Death Girl for helping me to find the love of my life.

Lolita Martinez

We, Alahn Santiago and Marco Luis Mendez, pay with this retablo giving thanks for we love each other immensely and live happily in our house, in spite of other people’s prejudices about us. However, it didn’t prevent us from living our love.

Mexico City, 2021