Roadside Shrines

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I have often wondered -- what are the stories behind the tiny arched chambers I've noticed by the side of the highway in southern Arizona? As it turns out, these miniature shrines are known as capillitas (small chapels), grutas (grottoes), or nichos (niches), and carry important religious significance in the Hispanic culture. They are often erected as the fulfillment of a promise upon the granting of a prayer -- for example, that a loved one safely return home from an overseas war. Perhaps they are placed in memory of a loved one who has passed on. Whatever their origin, each continues as a place of devotion and prayer. The form and the furnishings (statues, flowers, votive candles) are that of the church, but in miniature; like churches, each capillita is a microcosm of the human experience: birth, life, death, history, eternity. As I paused on my journey to photograph and pay my respects at these shrines, I discovered that each one is a window into the great and eternal mystery.

At the intersection of Highways 97 and 96, a few miles south of Bagdad, Arizona.
Last visited: July 2009.

Next to the Casa Ramos Mexican Family Restaurant on Highway 260, Heber, Arizona.
Last visited: October 2009.

In the front yards of homes, Phoenix, Arizona.
Last visited: September 2009.

In the front yard of a home, Tempe, Arizona.
Last visited: May 2008.

In the front yards of homes, Guadalupe, Arizona.
Last visited: August 2009.

Calle Azteca at Calle Cerritos, Guadalupe, Arizona.
Last visited: March 2009.

In the front yard of a home, Mesa, Arizona.
Last visited: June 2009.

In the front yard of a home, Chandler, Arizona.
Last visited: November 2009.

Hwy 238 northeast of Gila Bend, Arizona (at mile marker 11).
Last visited: November 2008.

Hwy 85 south of Gila Bend, Arizona (between mile markers 6 and 7).
Last visited: November 2008.

Elisa B. Loza
June 19, 1941 - Sept. 29, 2001
Recuerdo de tu familia quien te extranamos mucho aunque te fuiste muy pronto te lluevamos en nuestros pensamientos y en nuestro corazones.

Hwy 85 south of Gila Bend, Arizona (at mile marker 10).
Last visited: November 2008.

Hwy 85 on the north side of Ajo, Arizona at Fees Road (at mile marker 39).
Last visited: November 2008.

Hwy 85 south of Ajo, Arizona (between mile markers 51 and 52).
Last visited: November 2008.

V.P.G.
* 12 Agosto 1980 + 16 Sep. 2004
Recuerdo de Fernando Padres y Hermanos.

Hwy 85 south of Why, Arizona (between mile markers 56 and 57).
Last visited: November 2008.

Tohono O'odham Reservation, Arizona.


Highway 86 at mile marker 57.8. Last visited: January 2010.	Highway 86 at mile marker 58. Last visited: January 2010.	Highway 86 at mile marker 63.5. Last visited: January 2010.


Highway 86 at mile marker 68.4. Last visited: January 2010.	Highway 15 at mile marker 3. Last visited: January 2010.	Highway 15 at mile marker 8. Last visited: January 2010.


Highway 15 at mile marker 14.5. Last visited: January 2010.	Highway 15 at mile marker 22. Last visited: January 2010.	Highway 15 at mile marker 27.8. Last visited: January 2010.


Highway 15 at mile marker 28. Last visited: January 2010.	Highway 15 at mile marker 29. Last visited: January 2010.	Highway 15 at mile marker 30.6. Last visited: January 2010.


Highway 15 at mile marker 35.8. Last visited: January 2010.	Highway 15 at mile marker 39.2. Last visited: January 2010.	Highway 15 at mile marker 40.7. Last visited: January 2010.


Highway 86 just east of Hwy 85. Last visited: January 2010.	Highway 86 at mile marker 76. Last visited: January 2010.	Highway 15 at mile marker 20.4. Last visited: January 2010.
Pablito R. Gastelum * 05-Nov-1986 + 21-Jun-2003 Q. E. P. D. Dios, tu me lo prestaste para nuestra dicha, ahora nos lo reclamas y te lo entregamos con el corazón hecho pedazos pero hagase señor tu voluntad. Papacito te queremos mucho.	Michael Lopez 9/6/78 - 9/25/92	Our Beloved Son & Brother Robert A. Juan April 29, 1953 Dec. 2, 1979