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This paper explains how the confraternities founded in Tzintzuntzan during the colonial era played an important role in consolidating the Catholic religion, in fostering social participation for common ends, in assisting the needy, and in organizing festivities. The income that the confraternities generated through contributions by their members and the profits from the administration of commonly-held properties, such as land and cattle, also allowed them to cover some parochial expenses, build or rebuild their own chapels, and acquire costly objects and ornaments, although episcopal visitors always heard that those religious organizations were insolvent. The study of the confraternities in this town of the lake region of Michoacán sheds new light on their social and symbolic history in colonial times. The study is based on primary documentary sources complemented by specialized studies and Franciscan chronicles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article studies the celebration of Christian Holy Week by Mexican immigrants living in Immokalee, Florida. In particular, it explores the phenomenon of isolated religious expression as experienced by Mexicans who celebrate their Catholic heritage in a non-Mexican and non-Catholic environment. It also examines how non-Mexicans experience these celebrations. The article describes the setting in which the immigrants live and the Holy Week ceremonies in which they participate. It attempts to show how Mexican immigrants relate to each other and to other social groups in a place of linguistic, socioeconomic, cultural, and religious diversity.