Dateline returns on 21st February
Tuesdays 9.30pm on SBS ONE

Saint Death

20 Comments

David O'Shea examines a thriving cult in Mexico City, the cult of Santa Muerte, literally  "Saint Death",worshipped  by poor people and the criminal underworld.
 
Shunned by the Catholic church, thousands of  people flock to a small shrine in the city  to pay their respects.
 
The cult derives  from an age old Aztec tradition that saw death as a key part of life's journey.
 
Saint Death clearly  has broad appeal ...criminals., prostitutes, gamblers and  and others  leave offerings of tequila, marijuana and cigarettes.

Also, keep up to date with all the latest stories with Dateline's Twitter feed.

On air: 15th March 2009

explore

Mexico

timeline all stories

Cultural Postcards

timeline map all stories

by David O'Shea

David began working for Dateline in May 1998, during the riotous final days of President Soeharto’s rule.

Stories | About

tags

suggest a link

Website suggestions by viewers are moderated and not all links will be published. Publication does not mean we endorse the opinions expressed on those websites. Please read our terms and conditions for more information.

SBS News coverage