The belives on the asphalt. Sacred sites as means of appropriation of the public space in México City

Abstract

This paper explores how residents of México City appropriate public spaces by transforming local places into sacred sites.  This sacred quality is achieved by installing crucifixes, altars and niches for virgins and saints.  These symbols of folk religion not only adorn public sites, but also offer protection, serve as mnemonic devices and manage spatial liminality -all this in a chaotic city where public spaces are considered to be almost extinct.  These elements -- faces, proper names, common religious symbols- mark “anonymous” urban spaces, generating meaning and memory for inhabitants.  In this fashion, public spaces become a scenario for projecting personal elements of  neighborhood groups.