LA SANTA MUERTE

The tradition surrounding Santa Muerte (Holy Death) has gained popularity in recent decades. It is a folk saint from Mexican folk Catholicism, but its origins can be traced to medieval Europe. While it’s commonly associated with organized crime, its following is widely misunderstood. There is a strong following in the urban areas of Mexico and has recently made its way into the U.S. and Central America. There is debate on whether the tradition’s beliefs fall in line with Catholic doctrine. It is commonly represented by altars and largely involves healers offering a variety of products and services, leading to its increased commercialization.