A man walks in front of a statue of "Saint Death" on Jesus Maria street in Mexico City
A man walks in front of a statue of "Saint Death" on Jesus Maria Street in Mexico City March 7, 2012. Known as "Santa Muerte" in Spanish, the saint is often depicted as a skeletal "grim reaper" draped in white satin robes, beaded necklaces and carrying a scythe. Followers leave offerings of tequila, rum, beer, cigarettes, cash, flowers and candy at altars adorned with rosaries and candles. The Catholic Church frowns on the cult, whose origins may trace back to Aztec and Mayan death-gods or to ancient European traditions, but many devotees call themselves Catholics. REUTERS/Edgard Garrido (MEXICO - Tags: RELIGION SOCIETY)