SANTA MUERTE MASS in la LAGUNILLA
Last Saturday, March 14, 2009, I went to Mexico City’s la Lgunilla area to see a street mass for Santa Muerte, or Saint Death. I have written in this blog before that I am in amazement every time I see a large altar to Santa Muerte: Never lingering long around one of those altars because I get freaked out that some evil spirit is going to come out of it possess me.
Well curiosity took the best of me because I went to a mass for la Santa Muerte. The Santa Muerte was taken out of its altar and set on a stand. People then started putting their flowers around the Santa Muerte. The “Padre” arrives and when enough people gather, the mass begins.
I was taken aback on how the street mass to Santa Muerte was almost like a Catholic mass, like in how the Father says words and then the people recite in unison a response or prayer, though no one got on their knees. Too it was interesting to see very young children there holding their very own small statue of Santa Muerte.
All I can say is that I am still amazed how people can follow in believe in something that to me is still for very scary.
I will let the pictures and video speak for itself.
Santa Muerte mass
The altar to Santa MuerteThe mass to Santa Muerte
The “Padre” sings to Santa Muerte with Mariachis
Absolutely fascinating and freaky post! Julie and I have been to Lagunilla during the day, but I doubt a couple of really tall gringos who speak average Spanish could have attended the Santa Muerte mass, much less taken photos. Really appreciate the insight into this aspect of Mexican culture. I read a recent article that mentioned a number of Santa Muerte shrines were destroyed not far from the US/Mexican border; I think allegedly by the Army due to narco ties…the Catholic priest they quoted wasn’t too concerned.
Thank you for your nice comments.I love it here.
Yes, it is fascination and freaky. By the way: there was a protest March this past Saturday of people, some 500 or so, protesting the governments action against the Santa Muerta Shrines.
As to tall gringos being the crowd, you would have stood out. Though totally American I blend in well due to my families Mexican blood line so I can move around places and not get noticed UNTIL I open my mouth.