15 short Mexican legends that will amaze you
Mexico has a great wealth of legends and stories that are an essential part of its history and identity. In every part of the country there is a vast repertoire of legends with specters, mysterious alleys or historical figures. These stories are still alive in the oral tradition of the Mexicans and arouse the curiosity of their visitors.
Below we propose 15 Mexican legends of diverse themes with which you can enjoy a part of Mexican folklore.
1. The alley of the kiss
In the city of Guanajuato there is a mysterious alley that all visitors to the place want to go.
There is a legend around this place, passed down from generation to generation, which makes it an emblematic site. Those who go there are usually accompanied by their partners to take pictures and kiss on the third step of the alley.
With this tradition, lovers intend to ensure their happiness for a few years. It is a place that, thanks to legend, has become a symbol of love.
Legend has it that Carmen was a beautiful and loving young woman who lived with her uncompromising father. Carlos was a handsome humble heartthrob dedicated to doing his job.
One day, by chance, Carmen and Carlos met and an indestructible bond emerged between them. Since then, the young man stood under the balcony of Ana's house, who always responded with a smile. Weeks went by like this until, later, they struck up a conversation.
Time passed and the young people planned a future together. When they least expected it, the girl's father found out about their encounters. So he threatened his daughter with seclusion in a convent. Despite this, Carmen and Carlos decided to continue the relationship in secret.
Carlos rented a room in front of the house of her loved one, where he could talk with her from balcony to balcony. One day, the young woman's father caught them kissing from the balcony and, full of fury, stabbed his daughter with a dagger and took her life. Since then this place has been known as Callejón del Beso.
2. La Llorona
This legend, of pre-Hispanic origin, is one of the best known in Mexico. Although it is unknown where or when it originated, this character has become a very important spectrum in the cultural identity of Latin America.
La Llorona has different versions and has been passed down from generation to generation, many times, with the intention that children obey their parents.
The legend says that many years ago the figure of a woman dressed in white appeared in Xochimilco, crossing the streets of the city while she lamented: Oh, my children!
The inhabitants of the city said that she was a poor woman who had suffered for a man who had abandoned her. So she decided to drown her children in a river and, repentant, tried to take her life from her. She was soon nicknamed La Llorona.
They say that, to this day, the specter continues to appear at night and roam the city in its white clothing. Even today you can hear her heartbreaking lament.
3. Sac Nicté
This ancient love-themed Mayan legend originates from the bill of the legendary alliance of the Mayan states of Uxmal, Chichén Itzá and Mayapán.
The Mexican poet and historian Antonio Mediz Bolio spread this legend in his book The Land of the Pheasant and the Deer (1922) with the name Chichén-Itzá and the princess Sac-Nicté.
Legend has it that Sac-Nicté was an ancient princess when Mayapán, Uxmal and Chichén Itzá coexisted like the great cities of the Mayan culture. It was a time when their kings had made a pact of peace and armies did not exist. When Canek was 3 times 7 years old, he became king of Chichén Itzá and he saw Princess Sac Nicté for the first time when she was only 3 times 5 years old. From that moment, they both knew that their lives would be destined to be together for eternity. Instead, Sac-Nicté had been destined by her father, the king of Mayapan, to be the wife of Ulil, a sub-heir to the kingdom of Uxmal.
With only 37 days remaining until the wedding, a messenger from Mayapán summoned Prince Canek to invite him to the wedding, to which he replied that he would not be absent. That same night an old dwarf visited Canek and whispered: "the white flower awaits you among the green leaves", are you going to let someone else pull it up? Right after, the dwarf disappeared.
In Uxmal everything was prepared for the wedding, the entire city had been decorated for the great occasion. Just when Sac-Nicté was about to marry, Canek appeared with his warriors and took the princess in front of everyone's gaze, leaving Prince Ulil standing there.
This fact ended with peace and Uxmal and Mayapán joined in war against Chichén Itzá. Before war broke out, the inhabitants of Chichén Itzá set out one night by moonlight to save their city. When the enemies of Uxmal and Mayapán arrived, they found the city of Chichén Itzá empty, which they decided to burn down. Since then the city has been abandoned to this day.
4. The lady in mourning
The lady in mourning is a well-known urban legend from the beginning of the 19th century from the city of Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco.
The story appears to have been passed down by the watchmen, who patrolled the streets at night while the city's inhabitants remained in their homes.
This legend tells that, when almost midnight fell, some people witnessed how a female specter left the Cathedral and headed north of the city. The woman was dressed in black and, when she arrived in front of the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, she crossed the street and then disappeared.
That night, the mourner reaped several deaths. Those who persecuted her were her victims when they heard her dark cry.
5. The Chinese Hilaria
This legend has its origin in Aguascalientes, in the Encino neighborhood, there the story of obsession arises that gives rise to an expression usually used in the Mexican colloquial language.
Legend has it that many years ago, Hilaria Macías lived in Calle de la Alegría, known to all as Chinese Hilaria, since she had very curly and beautiful hair.
Eventually, an undesirable man, known as El Chamuco, fell in love with Hilaria. She did not want to reciprocate since she felt a certain rejection, not only of his appearance, but also of his personality. The change, the Chamuco insisted, first with modesty, then with profanity.
Hilaria began to feel fear and she decided to visit the priest to speak with Chamuco. The little father told the man to ask Hilaria for one of his curls, stating: "If you manage to straighten it, in about 15 days, it will be yours."
Chamuco followed the priest's recommendations and, after two weeks, tired of wanting to straighten the curl, he turned to black magic. He assisted a sorcerer who invoked the Devil. He asked for his soul as a reward and the Chamuco accepted. After days and days of work he couldn't do anything.
Chamuco complained to the devil for his lack of seriousness and he, angrily, left. Since then, Chamuco went crazy walking through the streets of the tormented oak. Every time someone asked him how he was doing, he only replied: "From the Chinese Hilaria."
6. Legend of the marigold flower
On the Day of the Dead, the marigold flower becomes a fundamental component. This flower whose name comes from the Nahualt "cempoalxochitl" and means "flower with twenty petals" has become a symbol of the offering of this important day.
It is said that the smell of the petals marks the path that the souls of the deceased have to travel towards their offering in the world of the living. This love-themed legend tries to explain the origin of this special flower.
Legend has it that a long time ago there was a girl named Xóchitl and a boy named Huitzilin.
The two grew up together and spent a lot of time together during childhood, even starting a love story during their youth. One day, they decided to climb to the top of a hill, where the sun was shining brightly, because they knew that the God of the Sun dwelt there. His intention was to ask Tonatiuh to give them the blessing so that they could continue together. The Sun God accepted and blessed his love.
Soon, tragedy came to them when Huitzilin was sent to participate in a battle to defend the people from him and had to separate from Xóchitl.
Some time passed and Xóchitl learned that his lover had died in the conflict. The girl felt so much pain that she asked Tonatiuh to join with her lover in eternity. The God of the Sun, seeing the young woman so distressed, decided to turn her into a beautiful flower. So he threw a golden ray on her, then a button grew on the ground that remained closed for a long time.
One day, a hummingbird appeared attracted by the scent of the flower and settled on its leaves. It was then that the flower opened and showed its yellow color, like the sun itself. The flower had recognized its beloved Huitzilin, who was now shaped like a hummingbird.
Legend has it that as long as the marigold flower exists and there are hummingbirds, the love of Xóchitl and Huitzilin will live forever.
7. The ghost bus
This urban legend has its origin in the city of Toluca. It is a terrifying story based on a true episode that took place over the years eighties of the twentieth century, when a bus traveling on a night highway never reached its destination. The mysterious event gave rise to different versions about the events that are still broadcast today.
Legend has it that, on an old and dangerous highway that linked Toluca with Ixtapan de la Sal, a bus circulated at dawn from Ixtapan de la Sal to Toluca.
Everything was going well until it started to rain, at which point the bus had to take very dangerous curves and go over a bridge that only holds one vehicle.
Suddenly, the travelers were frightened when they saw that the bus had picked up speed. The driver realized that the brakes were failing. Soon, in one of the curves, the bus plunged into the void, leaving victims and no survivors. Bus number 40 caught fire and never reached its destination.
He says the legend that since then, if you drive on that road at dawn and try to get on a bus, it is possibly number 40. If you get on the bus, you should not speak at any time. Before getting off, you should never look back on the bus. If you do, you will not survive.
8. The legend of volcanoes
Known as "el Popo" and "the sleeping woman", the Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes have given rise to different legends, especially related to their origin.
In this ancient Mayan legend, love and the misfortune of lovers are the cause of the birth of volcanoes. It is a story that, over time, has given rise to creations such as The idyll of the volcanoes of the Peruvian poet José Santos Chocano.
An ancient legend says that the Popocatepetl and Iztaccíhuatl volcanoes, one of the highest in Mexico, represent a maiden and a young Tlaxcalteca warrior. Iztaccíhuatl was the most beautiful princess and she fell in love with the warrior Popocatépetl, one of the bravest of her town.
Before leaving for the war in which the Tlaxcalans were immersed against the Aztecs, the young warrior asked the hand of the maiden Iztaccíhuatl. The chieftain granted her wish, in exchange for him returning safely from the conflict.
While Iztaccihuatl awaited the return of her lover, a rival of Popocatepetl deceived the young woman and told her that the boy had died in the war. So, the princess died of sadness in no time.
When Popocatepetl returned victorious from the fight, he received the bad news. For days and nights the young man wandered the city thinking how he could honor the great love they had had. This is how he ordered to build a great tomb under the sun piling up 10 hills to raise a huge mountain.
So, he took the princess's body and laid her on the top of the mountain. There, he kissed her for the last time and then, with a smoking torch in his hand, knelt to watch over her eternally dream of her.
Since then they remain together facing each other and, over time, the snow covered their bodies turning them into two huge volcanoes.
9. Camécuaro, the lake of tears
In the Camécuaro National Park, in Michoacán, there is a lake whose origin has led to the emergence of different legends. This is originally from the Purépecha culture, whose members considered the lakes as something sacred. In it, the origin of this precious lake of crystalline water is discovered, whose name means "place of hidden bitterness".
An ancient legend says that Huanita, a Purepecha princess, fell in love with Tangáxhuan, nephew of the founder of the Purepecha Empire. One day, Candó, a priest, kidnapped her and put her in a yácata. It is said that the princess cried so much that her tears formed a lake. Hence, Cameruco means "place of hidden bitterness."
Soon Tangáxhuan, upon hearing the news, went to the place where Huanita was. When she saw Candó she shot him an arrow with her bow. The arrow was nailed in a sabino, which split and from there formed a spring of green water.
They say that people who enter Lake Camécuaro see the figure of a woman appearing in its waters who tries to make them stay with her forever.
10. Legend of the witch house
This legend arises from a house located in the city of Guanajuato, whose construction dates from 1895. It is currently part of a hotel, but rumors about noise at night continue to persist and arouse the curiosity of those interested in paranormal phenomena.
Legend has it that the owner of this house located in Guanajuato lived there with his little daughter Susan when he was sent to jail for committing a crime.
Thus, the girl stayed with her aunts, who did not treat her well. The women locked her in a cellar and did not provide her with food. Days later, neighbors claimed to hear laments when the young woman's lifeless body was found.
It is said that on nights with a full moon the house becomes terrifying, those who pass by claim to see a young woman leaning out of one of the windows.
11. The bride of the sea
This legend has its origin in Campeche, in the Yucatan peninsula. It is a story of hope and longing for a lost love. In the city of Campeche you can see a sculpture of a woman waiting on the Malecón, it is a figure that hides the following legend behind.
Legend has it that many years ago a beautiful woman lived in the city of Campeche who used to walk along the coast to see the huge boats that arrived at the port.
One afternoon, during her walks, the young woman was in awe of a sailor and fell madly in love with him. Soon, the encounters were frequent and they became inseparable. They say that the sea was jealous to see that the young woman no longer visited the coast every day, nor did she touch the water with her fingers. Then, one day when the sailor set sail, the sea turned his jealousy into anger and he decided to separate them forever. Her fury created a huge storm that sank the ship where the sailor was traveling. The young man never returned.
From that moment the woman waits every afternoon on the beach. She will always be seen on the Campeche boardwalk, looking out to sea.
12. The mulatto of Córdoba
It is a legend of the Viceroyalty of Mexico originating from the State of Veracruz, it is a figure that is part of contemporary Mexican folklore. This legend, whose theme focuses on witchcraft and superstition, has different versions.
Although there is no evidence of the existence of this woman, the figure of her has intrigued researchers and scholars through the centuries. The legend has also been the basis of works such as the homonymous opera premiered in 1948 by Xavier Villaurrutia and Agustín Lazo, it also has film versions.
Legend has it that, back in the 17th century, the city of Córdoba was founded. A very beautiful mulatto woman arrived there alone. All the men were captivated with her as she passed. Soon, her presence in the city began to have mixed reactions. Some rejected her, the superstitious said that she had a pact with the devil; her that she had magical powers that allowed her to be in two places at the same time.
Others revered her because they said that she was a virtuous in the arts of medicine and she was able to heal only with herbs.
Faced with all the rumors that were forged, the Holy Inquisition did not take long to arrest her and send her to the San Juan de Ulúa prison accused of witchcraft. There he would wait for the day of his death at the stake. In his cell, he found a lump of coal and began to draw in great detail a ship on the wall. One night, while the jailer on duty was sleeping, he disappeared into the ship. The next day, they found the jailer with lost reason clinging to the bars of the empty dungeon.
13. Popchón and Xulubchon
This legend originates from the Tzotzil people, who live in Chiapas, and is transmitted by the Tzotziles of San Pedro Chenalhó. This story tries to explain, among other things, the cause of rain on the planet.
Legend has it that, many years ago, the ancient Tzotziles predominated in the central and north-central region of Chiapas. They lived happily there, since they had enough water resources to feed themselves, bathe and grow products such as corn and beans. He also quenches the thirst of his animals.
On the other hand, prosperity had not always reigned there, says the legend that there was a huge aquatic snake: Popchón. This reptile covered the channel of the Grijalva river, in the Sumidero Canyon, with its large head, this caused a flood that flooded nearby populations.
Faced with this situation, the vayijeltik, protective animal spirits of the Tzotziles, joined forces to defeat Popchón, but they were unable to. Later, they resorted to the X'ob, the soul of corn, who was able to kill the snake. This made the river water run its course.
In this place, it is said, there was also another enemy snake Xulubchón, who was in charge of dividing mountains and hills so that streams could pass. Xulubchón altered the course of rivers and invoked storms to clean the waters of the tributaries. Although, this snake did not have a bad ending since, according to legend, it was in charge of bringing rain to the planet.
14. The tree of love
This 19th century legend has its origin in the city of Zacatecas and it is a story that lasts among Zacatecan generations. The story dates back to the years of French occupation and the War of the Reform, and arises around the place that today is known as Plaza Miguel Auza.
Legend has it that around 1860 a young woman named Oralia lived in a manor house. She was a young woman who spread her joie de vivre to everyone. Juan was a humble young man who had silently fallen in love with Oralia and dreamed of improving her employment situation, since he felt that his condition was distancing him from the girl.
In the afternoons, when Juan left the mine, he became a water carrier, and he went in a hurry to deliver the water to Oralia. With it, the young woman watered the plants in her garden, especially a tree that she carefully cared for.
Soon, the girl also began to fall in love with Juan. Instead, there was another young man interested in Oralia, Philippe Rondé.
As time passed Oralia felt confused, since she could not decide for either of them. So, she had to make a decision.
The girl felt so sad that she burst into tears and went to her garden. There, a tree that he had planted years ago and that Juan had watered was already very large. Oralia sat in her shadow and continued crying. Her tears watered the earth.
Soon, the branches of the tree settled on the young woman's lap and drops of water began to fall. They were the tears of the tree, which soon turned into white flowers. Then Oralia made up her mind: she should stay with Juan.
The next day, Philippe Rondé told Oralia that he should return to her country. The girl was relieved. That same afternoon, the girl went to look for Juan, whom she hugged and kissed.
Since then, all Zacatecan lovers wanted to seal her affection under that tree that, with the passage of time, was cut down.
15. Island of dolls
The origin of this urban legend of Xochimilco is relatively recent since it dates from the 50s of the 20th century.
The Island of the Dolls, located in the channels of Xochimilco, has become a tourist attraction for curious people and visitors to the area. It is a place as scary as it is mysterious that impresses those who see a place full of dolls of all kinds.
Legend has it that, back in the 1950s, a man named Julián Santana decided to collect all the dolls that appeared in the canal area, after a young woman drowned there.
The man said that he had heard the girl's wailing and, since then, decided to place the dolls or parts of them that he was finding as a supposed symbol of peace and protection, in order to scare away the spirits evil.
If you liked this article, you may also be interested in: 13 short legends for kids
References
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WITH WATER. (2018, July 27). Popchón and Xulubchón, the monsters of the rivers. gob.mx.
Creative Pages (Ed.). (2015). Great Book of Legends of Mexico: More than 200 Legends and Supernatural Stories from All States. Creative Pages.
González, A. (2006). Water legends in Mexico. IMTA.
SIAP. (2020, November 2). The day of the dead and the legend of the marigold flower. gob.mx.
Suárez, B. R. R. (2015). Legends from all over Mexico. Selector, S.A.
Universus (Ed.). (2013). Mexican Legends to Enjoy with the Family. UNIVERSUS.
