They are called "incendios," which is the word for a fire or burning, due to the large number of candles used in these altars dedicated to the sorrows of the Virgin Mary during the Passion of Christ.
On Friday, April 3, you will see many altars dedicated to La Dolorosa or The Sorrowful Mother. They are more common in the community of San Antonio Tlay. than in Chapala or Ajijic. But this tradition is observed in all of Mexico. The devotion to Mary as the Sorrowful Mother dates to 16th Century Spain, not much before the Spaniards arrived in Mexico. Nevertheless this devotion brought by the Franciscan monks was quickly adopted by the indigenous Mexicans.
The image of La Dolorosa is usually depicted dressed in purple, although in the beginning, the icon usually wore a dark blue cloak and there are versions where she is totally dressed in black, such as "La Macarena" in Seville, Spain or "La Soledad" in Oaxaca, Mexico. The Virgin usually carries a handkerchief and many times is shown with a dagger crossing her heart.
This tradition is popular in Jalisco, where the faithful, in respect for the sorrow of the Mother during the passion, crucifixion and death of Christ, honor her with an altar in a setting full of symbolism.
The icon is set surrounded by branches of pine, to indicate that she is outdoors, somehow reminiscent of the Mount of Olives. Many times caged song birds are placed near the altar because their singing will ease the pains of the Mother.
A mirror is usually set on the altar representing a reflection of the soul. Many objects connected with the Passion are placed around the altar, such as a crown of thorns, nails a ladder, a sponge with vinegar and even a rooster, reminding us of the negations of Peter. In some altars you see a representation of a cell to remind us that Christ was taken prisoner.
Lots of cut paper replace the fine European laces once used by the Spaniards on their altars. Oranges with cloves and a special copal (transparent resin of a tree) incense with other aromatic herbs are used for fragrance. The traditional flower is the chamomile, although other flowers are used, as long as they are wild or in season.
Another important element in this altar are the sprouts, which are an expression of gratefulness to the Mother for making the seeds grow. These represent the seeds planted in February and that by tradition are blessed on the Dia de la Candelaria (Candlemass), the 2nd of February. But what really identifies this altar and differentiates it from other offerings is the large quantity of candles.
The altars are in a room that can be seen from the street, and in places like Guadalajara, where this tradition used to be very strong, all these candles reflected on the window panes made it look like one big fire (which occasionally occurred!) and that is where the term "lncendio de la Dolorosa" started.
All who visit the altar are offered teas and drinks of fresh fruits or herbs. They are placed in large jars and represent the tears of the Mother. That is why when you would like a drink, instead of simply asking for one you ask: "Lloro agui la Virgen?" (Did the Virgin cry here?)