Introduction to Santa Muerte

This chapter provides a foundational overview of the Santa Muerte phenomenon. It explores her identity as a personified, non-judgemental folk saint who is petitioned for a wide range of everyday problems, from health and finances to legal troubles. The chapter traces the complex genealogy of the cult, identifying its roots in pre-Hispanic death worship, medieval European Catholicism, and modern esoteric practices. It discusses the socio-political backdrop of her rise, linking her popularity to a history of dispossession, neoliberal economic policies, and the atomisation of communities. The chapter situates the research in Ciudad Nezahualcóyotl, a municipality marked by socio-economic insecurity, highlighting how Santa Muerte’s emergence coincides with the state’s failure to guarantee basic security and welfare for its citizens.