Throughout Argentina there are hundreds of roadside shrines memorializing Guacho Gil, a legendary cowboy whose existence is undocumented and continues to be debated. The legend is that Antonio Gil was a Robin Hood-like outlaw who stole from the rich and gave to the poor. Eventually he was caught and hanged by the authorities. Before his hanging he assured everyone that he would survive in spirit and continue to help the poor. His devotees, to this day, erect shrines along highways and byways of Argentine, leaving offerings to his memory, in the hope that he will perform a personal miracle on their behalf. i.e. help them recover from an illness, pass an exam, win the heart of another, etc. The shrines are characteristically decorated with red ribbons, candles, offerings (such as bottles of beer, booze, etc.) and various objects.
Above, a typical roadside Gaucho Gil shrine. This one along a dirt road several kilometers outside of San Antonio de Areco. Some are much smaller and others very elaborate. Keep an eye open and you will notice that there are also some in Buenos Aires.
No comments:
Post a Comment