Religious beliefs play a significant role in Venezuelan culture, and traditional beliefs have been challenged for over 200 years. In search of guidance, the Venezuelan people have turned to nontraditional deities. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the phenomenon known as the “Holy Thugs” or Santos Malandros emerged. This group consisted of notorious criminals who have now been regarded as deities.The leader of this group, Juan Francisco Carrillo, also known as Ismael Sánchez, led a gang in the 1960s and lived in the impoverished barrios of Caracas, specifically in an area called 23. It is believed that Ismael was killed by a corrupt police officer in 1963. He and his gang are often considered modern-day "Robin Hoods" because they would steal from the rich and give to the poor, so they are held in high regard.Today, the Holy Thugs include figurines representing Ismael Sánchez, Elizabeth, Petroleo, Miguel, Luis Sánchez, Freddy Marcano, William, Carlos Quintero, Larry, El Ratón, and others. The Holy Thugs are said to protect people from various dangers, and Venezuelans pray to them for many reasons, including the health of a loved one, protection from violence, and relief from addiction. Those who turn to the Holy Thugs often find a connection with their lifestyle, especially in a context where the justice system has failed them. They seek solace in spirits they can trust.
