Throughout Argentina, you'll find roadside shrines covered with red flags, candles, flowers, painted old tires, and offerings of cigarettes, beer, and fuel in used soda bottles. These shrines are dedicated to the outlaw saint, Gauchito Gil.

While much about Gil remains unknown, we do know that Antonio Mamerto Gil Núñez lived in the mid-1800s. He was a soldier who deserted the military and evaded capture for quite some time. Eventually, Gauchito Gil was captured, condemned to death, and hung by his foot with his throat slit. Before his execution, Gil told his executioner that his son was seriously ill and asked him to pray for him in Gil’s name. The executioner carried out his task, but when he returned home, he discovered that his son was dying. In response, he went back to the site of the execution and buried Gil’s body properly. Miraculously, the executioner's son recovered, and a legend was born. The news of the miracle spread across the country.

Originally built by gauchos (cowboys), and now maintained by truck drivers, these shrines can be found along some of Argentina's most dangerous roads. At these shrines, people pray for better health, money, courage, and, most commonly, for the protection of travelers.

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