‘Only death can protect us’: How the folk saint La Santa Muerte reflects violence in Mexico

By: Myriam Lamrani, Harvard University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: October 31, 2025

Words: 1,258

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 3 days ago

Body Text Preview

By Myriam Lamrani, Harvard University

When a life-size skeleton dressed like the Grim Reaper first appeared on a street altar in Tepito, Mexico City, in 2001, many passersby instinctively crossed themselves. The figure was La Santa Muerte – or Holy Death – a female folk saint cloaked in mystery and controversy that had previously been known, if at all, as a figure of domestic devotion: someone they might address a prayer to, but in the privacy …

Create a free account to access this story and more

Join Plucky Wire to access full stories, collaborate with newsrooms, and discover content from networks around the world.

Email Us