...a neighborhood is called a barrio

Barrio is the Spanish word for neighborhood. Tucson has many distinct barrios with names like "Barrio Hollywood" and "Anita Barrio." Each has its own unique history and characteristics, as is described in Looking into the West Side: Untold Stories of the People, a detailed account of several well-known Tucson barrios.

Amanda Portillo holding a statue of Our Lady of Guadalupe

I recently took a trip through a neighborhood around 36th Street and Kino Parkway with my friend, Amanda Portillo, in search of front yard shrines of the Virgin Mary, which are common in Mexico and with Mexican-American families.

Our Mother of Guadalupe is an iconic figure in Mexican culture, particularly for Catholics. To honor the Virgin Mary, some Catholics place shrines with her statue along with other religious materials like rosaries, prayer cards, statues of saints or Jesus, and even pictures of family or friends.

None we found were as elaborate as are documented here at the Web site of photographer Bryan Hansel, but it was interesting to see how the average family pays their respects to the Virgin Mary.

Below is a slide show of some of the shrines we found in the neighborhood.

Some we found were adorned with lights, and many were protected by fencing or glass, emphasizing the sacredness of the religious icons.

While strolling through, Amanda told me about her Nana, who has a similar shrine in her backyard. Her Nana and other family visit the shrine when when they wish to pay their respects or feel close to Mary and God.

"In the Christmastime, we put the manger scene out there too with the baby Jesus. Actually, we don't put the baby in His cradle until Christmas Eve," she said.

Discovering the religious undertones hidden in the barrios of Tucson is fun and exciting--and only a short drive away.