Mexico and among Mexican communities in the  United States. Despite being denounced by the  

Catholic Church, devotion to Santa Muerte  has grown rapidly in the last few decades.  

Santa Muerte is often depicted as a skeletal  figure, dressed similarly to the Grim Reaper  

but often with feminine attire and accessories.  Devotees appeal to her for a variety of requests,  

including love, money, health, protection,  and even revenge. Santa Muerte is particularly  

popular among marginalized groups, including  the poor, those involved in illegal activities,  

and those who feel that they've been  abandoned by society or the mainstream  

Church. She represents the equalizing nature  of death, which comes for everyone regardless  

of their status in life. This democratic aspect  of death is a significant part of her appeal.