Boogeymen, weeping ghosts and the Chupacabra: Learn the Latin origins behind your favorite scary stories

Yahoo News! ^ | October 11, 2021 | David Artavia

[nickcarraway]

Monsters and ghosts may be Halloween icons, but true spirit chasers know most of them are mere child’s play compared to those told in Latino folklore. That’s because tales of the supernatural have intrigued and enriched Hispanic culture throughout history — especially on holidays like Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), coming on the heels of Halloween on Nov. 1, and through the haunting legends that find their way into pop culture all year round.

Thanks to depictions in films and shows ranging from Supernatural and Disney’s Coco to episodes of South Park and The X-Files, folks might be familiar with the tales of La Llorona, a ghost mother who drowned her children out of heartbreak; El Cuco, an omnipresent punisher meant to keep kids in line; and the blood-sucking beast Chupacabra.

But where do these legends come from, and why do they resonate so deeply within Latino cultures? As it turns out, their true origins are just as mysterious and intriguing as the stories themselves.

[Tax-chick]

My band performed “La Llorona” at our church festival yesterday, along with an array of sentimental Mexican favorites and charismatic praise songs. Very positive response.

[HartleyMBaldwin]

“...Dia de los Muertos (the Day of the Dead), coming on the heels of Halloween on Nov. 1...”

Well, it always used to be on Nov. 2nd, but apparently it’s becoming a multi-day thing.

[Tax-chick]

Yes, November 2 is All Souls’ Day. I have a crocheted shawl with a skull design for church.

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks nickcarraway.