Jésus Malverde, El Robin Hood de Sinaloa.

Question

Here is an interesting cultural note regarding Sinaloa, Mexico

Jesús Malverde

Jesús Malverde, sometimes known as the "generous bandit", "angel of the poor",1 or the "narco-saint", is a folklore hero in the Mexican state of Sinaloa. He is celebrated as a folk saint by some in Mexico and the United States, particularly among those involved in drug trafficking,2 He is not recognized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. The existence of Malverde a.k.a. 'El Rey de Sinaloa' is not historically verified,[3] but according to local legends he was a bandit killed by the authorities on May 3, 1909. Accounts of his life vary – sometimes he was a railway worker, while others claim he was a construction worker. There is also no agreement on the way he died, being hanged or shot.

Since Malverde's supposed death, he has earned a Robin Hood-type image, making him popular among Sinaloa's poor highland residents. The outlaw image has caused him to be adopted as the "patron saint" of the region's illegal drug trade, and the press have thus dubbed him "the narco-saint."[4] However, his intercession is also sought by those with troubles of various kinds, and a number of supposed miracles have been locally attributed to him, including personal healings and blessings. (Credit Wikipedia)

Answer 1

This makes me wonder if it is connected to the cult of "Santa Muerte." Nothing is mentioned about this in the Wikipedia article but it certainly follows the same criteria. As a Roman Catholic, I sure wish my church would or could be more of a comfort to the people held as thralls to the traffickers. Shame on my American countrymen for providing the market for this filth!

Well, don't mind me . . . I'm no saint, but I'm a spiritual person who is saddened when people twist the Faith to help them in evil pursuits. It shows that they too, are a spiritual people. If only a way could be found to turn that spirituality in a positive direction.

Okay, this isn't about the Spanish language, but it's about people we care about and their culture. Delete this if you must, O lords of the Spanishdict., but we can't discuss Latin America without discussing this plague.

"Plague"? Malverde and Santa Muerte are brilliant examples of how religions evolve as they spread into new cultures. I think it's quite interesting. - Maldito23, Jul 19, 2012

iYou both have very valid opinions. This is what cultural nuance is all about. I'd be interested in other opinions - 002262dd, Jul 19, 2012

Interesting!!! - --Mariana--, Jul 19, 2012

Maldito, you miss my point. In "plague," I meant drugs! - GaryT, Jul 20, 2012

Answer 2

Great story, Don Jose...thanks for sharing that!