With new evidence from the Philippines, the Spanish origins of Santa Muerte are clearer than ever. Filipino photographer Estan Cabigas details the effigies of the Bony Lady that date back at least to the 1850s in the former Spanish colony. http://langyaw.com/2011/04/21/strange-santa-muerte-in-the-philippines/ The skeleton saint’s role in Filipino Holy Week processions appears very similar … Continue reading Santa Muerte in the Philippines
Devotees of Saint Death March for Life in Juarez, Mexico
With banners proclaiming “sons and daughters of Santa Muerte for peace in Juarez” some two to three hundred devotees of Saint Death organized a peace march in a city so violent that it recently earned the moniker “Baghdad on the Border.” Departing from one of the border city’s main Santa Muerte shrines, the marchers processed … Continue reading Devotees of Saint Death March for Life in Juarez, Mexico
Let The Earth Tremble! Top Santa Muerte Leader Seeks to Cleanse the Cult
In response to recent acts of aggression from religious rivals, Mexico’s top Santa Muerte temple head, Enriqueta Vargas of Tultitlan, spoke exclusively to Skeleton Saint about her role in the cult of Saint Death and her intention “to cleanse” the cult of what she regards as profiteers and charlatans....Let me make it very clear that … Continue reading Let The Earth Tremble! Top Santa Muerte Leader Seeks to Cleanse the Cult
Tiembla Tierra! Lideresa de la Santa Muerte Promete Limpiar el Culto
Respondiendo a recientes agresiones de parte de ciertos rivales religiosos, la lideresa maxima de los templos de la Santa Muerte en Mexico, Enriqueta Vargas de Tultitlan, hablo en exclusivo con Skeleton Saint sobre su papel en el culto y su propuesta de limpiarlo de lo que ella ve como mercaderes y charlatanes. VOY A DEJAR … Continue reading Tiembla Tierra! Lideresa de la Santa Muerte Promete Limpiar el Culto
Top Santa Muerte Leader Protests Latest Shrine Attack in Mexico
While the targeted destruction of Santa Muerte shrines and altars has been going on for several years in Mexico, over the past few months it's increased throughout the country. Most of the shrines leveled had been erected on public property, but the latest case of iconoclasm occurred on private grounds in Los Mochis, Sinaloa. According … Continue reading Top Santa Muerte Leader Protests Latest Shrine Attack in Mexico
Santa Muerte Got Me Out of Prison
Santa Muerte is the most popular saint in Mexican prisons and not only among inmates. She also has an ample following among guards, lawyers and even therapists. In the following testimony Manuel Flores Machuca of Mexico City relates his own experience with the patroness of prison. I’m gonna tell you about my experience with my … Continue reading Santa Muerte Got Me Out of Prison
La Santa Muerte me sacó de la cárcel
La Santa Muerte es el santo mas venerado en las prisiones de Mexico y no solo por los reos, Tambien cuenta con muchos devotos que son custodios, abogados y psicologos. En el testimonio que sigue el devoto Manuel Flores Machucha comparte su experiencia con la patrona de la carcel... - Voy a narrarle mi experiencia … Continue reading La Santa Muerte me sacó de la cárcel
I’ll Forever Sing Her Praises – A first hand account of Santa Muerte, the healer
Absent from media accounts of Santa Muerte is her role as a powerful curandera or healer. Many devotees first approach the Skeleton Saint for health-related reasons. Such is the case for Missy Barkley, the first Australian devotee I've come across. Below is Missy's account of how she came to believe in the Bony Lady..... I've … Continue reading I’ll Forever Sing Her Praises – A first hand account of Santa Muerte, the healer
La Pieta – The Compassion of Most Holy Death
Mercy, pity, and compassion are not words that you will see outsiders associating with Santa Muerte, the skeletal saint whose tradition is currently one of the fastest growing religious movements in the Americas and around the globe. Yet, La Pieta, 'The Mercy,' Michelangelo's masterpiece depicting Mary cradling the peaceful body of Christ after the Crucifixion, … Continue reading La Pieta – The Compassion of Most Holy Death
Death & Taxes – Santa Muerte, Saint of Good Fortune
With tax time coming up for those living in the United States, many are searching for ways to help save them from the eager reach of the IRS. The 'Revenue Man' has long been the enemy of those on the outside of the thin ranks of the social elite, so it's no surprise that the … Continue reading Death & Taxes – Santa Muerte, Saint of Good Fortune
Most Holy Death 