Tanzim Taqrim
Mexico’s new Anti- Gentrification saint is a hipster and an apocalyptic virgin. Locals pray to Santa Mari La Juaricua for protection of their homes. Sandra Valenzuela is a local who moved to this area 3 years ago and she found the statue in the old apartment she bought. Sandra named the saint after two adjacent neighborhoods, Colonia Juarez and Colonia Santa Maria La Rivera. These neighborhoods are going through massive gentrification. Sandra says that artists like her are the part of the problem. A statue is not the solution for people who are losing their homes.In the last two years the average rent there has increased from $212 to $600 and the cost of bread has also increased three times. The minimum wageis still $5 per day and it looks like locals may have to find another place to live. Perhaps the image of the saint is bringing attention to the issue. The locals believe praying to the saint will help them overcome their issues.
Source: AJ+