Disir
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- Sep 30, 2011
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ROADSIDE SHRINES ARE A CULTURAL phenomenon across Argentina. Originally created by cowboys and now truck drivers, these tributes dot the countryside. Most honor Difunta Correa with offerings of bottled water. Monuments erected to Gauchito Gil stand out as they are festooned with red ribbons and flags.
Antonio Mamerto Gil Núñez, a soldier-turned-outlaw, is regarded as a folk hero in Argentina. Like Robin Hood, he sought to help and protect the poor. A gaucho is an Argentinian cowboy. In Spanish the suffix -ito is a term of endearment, meaning little.
Legend has it that their “little cowboy” performed miracles and was even bulletproof. Even after his capture and execution in 1878, it’s said Gil still performed miracles. Gil is not recognized as a saint by the Catholic church, but for the faithful, these roadside shrines are a place to give thanks to the Gauchito for the blessings he has bestowed.
www.atlasobscura.com
That's kind of cool.
Antonio Mamerto Gil Núñez, a soldier-turned-outlaw, is regarded as a folk hero in Argentina. Like Robin Hood, he sought to help and protect the poor. A gaucho is an Argentinian cowboy. In Spanish the suffix -ito is a term of endearment, meaning little.
Legend has it that their “little cowboy” performed miracles and was even bulletproof. Even after his capture and execution in 1878, it’s said Gil still performed miracles. Gil is not recognized as a saint by the Catholic church, but for the faithful, these roadside shrines are a place to give thanks to the Gauchito for the blessings he has bestowed.
Shrine to Gauchito Gil
This roadside memorial pays homage to Argentina's Outlaw Saint.
www.atlasobscura.com
That's kind of cool.
