Jobless Argentines Seek Help from Patron Saint Amid Austerity

This year’s annual pilgrimage to St. Cayetano, the patron saint of bread and work, has taken on heightened significance for many Argentinians as the country faces a severe recession. Norma Villarreal, a 56-year-old former cleaner, joined hundreds in the pre-dawn darkness outside a church in Buenos Aires, seeking solace and support from the saint. “We are very hungry and we’re tired,” she lamented, reflecting the struggles of many who feel abandoned by the government amid rising unemployment and economic despair. The pilgrimage, held on August 7, has historically symbolized the ongoing economic challenges in Argentina. However, this year, the desperation is compounded by widespread anger towards President Javier Milei’s austerity measures. His administration's drastic cuts, aimed at reducing public spending by 3% of the GDP, have exacerbated the recession, pushing unemployment rates close to 8%. The painful impact of these policies has driven many to seek divine intervention as they grapple with the harsh realities of job loss and financial instability. Following the pilgrimage, protests erupted outside the presidential palace, where trade unions and leftist opposition groups rallied against Milei’s policies. Demonstrators expressed their frustration over mass layoffs and the government's handling of the economy. “They got rid of me,” said one protester, highlighting the personal toll of the austerity measures. While Milei’s government claims to be tackling rampant inflation, which remains above 270% annually, the cuts to public services and employment have left many feeling hopeless. Union leaders demand the restoration of jobs and financial support, arguing that the current fiscal surplus is built on the suffering of the populace.