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El Tiradito Wishing Shrine: Tucson's Enigmatic Landmark

Discover Tucson's historic El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, a unique landmark where legends, wishes, and cultural heritage intertwine.

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El Tiradito, or the Wishing Shrine, is a historic and culturally significant site in Tucson's Barrio Viejo. Legend says it marks the burial spot of a sinner and is now a place where visitors light candles and make wishes, hoping they'll be granted if the candle burns through the night.

A brief summary to El Tiradito Wishing Shrine

Local tips

  • Visit during sunset to experience the magical atmosphere as the candles illuminate the shrine.
  • Take a moment to read the heartfelt wishes and offerings left by visitors to connect with the shrine's history.
  • Bring a small token or offering to leave at the shrine as part of your personal wishing experience.
  • Explore the surrounding Barrio Viejo neighborhood for a taste of Tucson's historic architecture and vibrant culture.
  • Check for local events or gatherings at the shrine to engage with the community and learn more about its significance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are already in downtown Tucson, head south on S Main Ave. El Tiradito Wishing Shrine is located at 418 S Main Ave. The walk is a pleasant stroll through the Barrio Viejo neighborhood, known for its colorful buildings and historic architecture. There is no cost to visit the shrine.

  • Public Transport

    From various points in Tucson, take a Sun Tran bus route that leads toward downtown Tucson. Get off at the stop closest to S Main Ave. From there, it is a short walk to El Tiradito Wishing Shrine at 418 S Main Ave. A single ride on Sun Tran costs $1.75.

  • Car

    If driving, navigate to 418 S Main Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701. From I-10 E, take exit 257A toward Congress St. Merge onto W Congress St and then turn right onto S Main Ave. The El Tiradito Wishing Shrine will be located on your right. Parking is available along the street. Parking costs vary, but expect to pay around $1.00 - $2.00 per hour.

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Discover more about El Tiradito Wishing Shrine

El Tiradito Wishing Shrine, also known as the Wishing Shrine, is a poignant landmark nestled in the heart of Tucson's historic Barrio Viejo. This unique shrine, whose name translates to "the little castaway," is shrouded in local legends dating back to the 1870s. The most common story involves Juan Oliveras, a ranch hand who was murdered, and because of his sins, could not be buried on consecrated ground. El Tiradito is believed to be the only Catholic shrine in the United States dedicated to a sinner's soul. Over time, it has evolved into a place where people come to light candles, leave offerings, and whisper their wishes. Visitors write their wishes on small slips of paper and slide them into the cracks of the stones, hoping that if their candle burns through the night, their wish will be granted. The shrine provides a tranquil atmosphere for contemplation and connection with the past, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of Tucson's heritage. The shrine's structure consists of the crumbling remains of a brick building, with a metal rack for candles and desert plants occupying the interior. The site has become a place of mourning and activism, hosting vigils for various causes. El Tiradito was the first Arizona property to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places for its traditional cultural values and remains an important part of Tucson's Mexican and Mexican-American communities.

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