In Argentina, you'll find roadside shrines marked with red flags, and adorned with candles, flowers, cigarettes, beer, and offerings of fuel in old bottles. These altars are dedicated to the outlaw saint Gauchito Gil.

Much about Antonio Mamerto Gil Núñez remains unknown, but he lived during the mid-1800s. He was a soldier who deserted the military and became a fugitive. Eventually, he was captured, sentenced to death, and hung upside down one foot. Before his execution, Gil told the executioner that his son was seriously ill and asked everyone around them to pray for the boy in Gil’s name. The executioner carried out his task and returned home. There, he discovered that his son was actually dying. The executioner went back to the site of Gil’s death and gave him a proper burial. Miraculously, the child recovered, and the legend of Gauchito Gil was born.

Originally built by gauchos (cowboys), and now maintained by truck drivers, these shrines can be found along Argentina's most dangerous roads. People stop at them to pray for better health, courage, and, most importantly, protection while traveling.

‍