Villagers Honor Patron Saint

Residents of this village on the slope of the smoking Popocatepetl volcano trudged up its barren sides Tuesday, armed with offerings of fruit and mole.

Placing the fruit and chocolate-based chile sauce in caves, they were paying homage to the mountain’s patron saint, San Gregorio Chino, on the day commemorating him in Roman Catholicism. But the gesture seemed aimed at placating a primitive spirit.

The volcano, 55 miles southeast of Mexico City, belched steam and ash Monday after a week of lesser activity that ended several months of calm.

Experts say there is no immediate threat, but 28 emergency shelters have been prepared in nearby towns and cities.