The desert that leads to Pan de Azucar
We pulled over on the desert stretch after Frank got “fixed” to check out the virgin overlooking the sea. We’ve seen this all over South America where they have little shrines adorning the side of the road. Some are the size of a shoebox and others, such as this one, are massive statues in cages (to protect them from vandals) adorned with fake flowers, soft toys and often a little plant or two.
They’re called Animitas. We were told that they are placed where car accidents have occured. Family members of the deceased come to the location of the car accident and build a little shrine in honour the person who died.
They are believed to protect the road and often random drivers will stop and say a pryer for their safety on the highway and in return they might throw a little water on the plant next to the shrine to help it grow.
It’s a beautiful tradition. A great reminder to drive carefully. Some of the little shrines have little trucks or cars above them.