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A Photo Journey of Mexican Roadside Memorials
Photos by Zihrena
Click on thumbnails to enlarge.
Anyone who has driven in Mexico has noticed the profusion of monuments that suddenly appear on the shoulders of the highways and byways throughout the country. We at www.surf-mexico.com recently went on a pilgrimage of sorts to examine this phenomenon.
Most of these drive-by shrines are memorials to family members and friends who have died in traffic accidents or through violent acts, though I have been informed of some that were placed by grateful survivors as thanks to the deity for their continued existence on our green earth.
These modern day cairns traverse the artistic spectrum from the classic to the surreal, the modern to the primitive. While most revere the Virgin of Guadalupe, many (especially in the northern states) include Jesus Christ or one of a plethora of saints. Some areas seem to have a patron saint (ex: San Judas in northeastern San Luis Potosi).
The modern and elaborate shrines exhibit newer materials; shining tile mosaic, electric light, glass fronted doors and aluminum framed windows with modern architectural motifs. The Primitive and simple shrines make do with concrete and brick, candles and lanterns, wrought iron and wood.
One recurring theme is the chapels dedicated to the many professional truck drivers of the occasionally dangerous Mexican highway system. Most of these are located on clearings (double semi-remolques or tractor trailers, need room to park) near dangerous mountain curves. My favorite example of this type is the Santuario del Camionero south of Ciudad Victoria on the mountain road to San Luis Potosi.
Of course this photo series would not be complete without some of our Personal Favorites as well as Other Shrines of interest that may or may not fit into any of the other categories.
