Tara A. Spears
During the recent national holiday, there were almost daily reports of fatalities on Mexican highways. Many of the grieving families will try to ease the pain of losing of a loved one by erecting a roadside memorial. Local highway 200 has always been dangerous driving through the jungle due to the lack of shoulders, many, many turns and a huge volume of out of area drivers racing to get to the beach.
I have counted more than 30 memorials/ descanso, between Penita and Bucerias alone. While most car-crash victims are little known people, family and friends want to keep the memory of that person alive by making a public display at the site of a tragedy. Not only do roadside memorials let families remember and grieve their loved one, each memorial draws attention to driving safely.
When gathering data for the article, the majority of people surveyed believed that there are three distinguishing types: using a cross as a marker of death; other shape memorials to give thanks for surviving an accident, and the larger roadside chapel. This is not an absolute as the practice reflects individual religious beliefs, economics, and accessibility to the location.
A recent discussion on Gente Nayarit had some very insightful data. Juan Francisco Martinez commented that “There are several answers related to the feelings of the grieving families. It (memorial) is a reminder to not forget the tragedy and the people who perished there, and to warn that this site is dangerous. Many people believed that it is good to create a memorial so that the deceased’s soul can ascend to heaven and the family can remember them by returning to the site.
Anselmo Ochoa and several others said the memorials are “In memory of that individual’s life..” Yamed Guerrero sums up; “Placing memorials has to do with Mexican culture, keeping the memory and remembrance to the deceased. This practice is a mixture between respect and why not say fear, where a person died, and on the other hand, a place to make prayer for whom is no longer there, so that it is not for forgotten …”
Thank you to Juan Quijas for a very clear reply: “Roadside memorials are for those who have died, especially in a violent manner, as a symbol of peaceful mourning. Memorials are an expression of affection from friends and relatives, and are often decorated with flowers and candles as a tribute to the deceased, helping them accept their fate and rest in peace. The cross is a tangible symbol of mourning and it serves as a constant reminder of the person who died at that place and as a warning to others.
There are two very interesting examples of the roadside chapel near Jaltemba Bay. The one north of Las Varas started with a death and grew larger over time due to additional deaths on that treacherous section of highway 200 through the mountains. It was much smaller 25 years ago but has had additions added.
Long time resident, Viky Robeles, explained “the memorial was built to protect travelers. That road has always been dangerous, especially during rainy weather.” It’s very interesting to visit and see the types of offerings that people make.
Another roadside chapel is about 20 minutes south of Jaltemba Bay. Perched on the edge of a ravine where the highway turns sharply, there stands a marble and gold mini chapel that is shaded by a huge, ancient Huanacaxtle tree. Local legend says that this chapel was built in thanks for surviving an accident. A popular version says that a long time ago a driver of a freight trailer lost control of the rig, falling from the highway into the ravine behind where the chapel now stands. At the time of the accident, the driver entrusted himself to God and prayed that if he survived the wreck, he would show his gratitude by making an altar to where he could bring offerings. He included a statue of Sr. Jude Thaddeus, who is the Catholic patron saint that is prayed to for problems throughout life, be it money, legal problems, or other favors.
The phenomenon of creating impromptu memorials after traumatic death (accidents, murder, disasters etc.) has become popular since the 1980s. When you see a memorial along a highway, remember that it is meant to both honor a loved one and to warn others about the dangers of driving on that road. Safe travels, friends.
