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Even if you don’t totally buy into the supernatural, you have to admit—nothing beats the thrill of a good old-fashioned scary story. That spine-tingling feeling you get? It’s even better when you share it with others. For many of us growing up in Latino households, these creepy myths are a huge part of our childhood. They’ve been passed down from generation to generation, and they’re perfect for telling around the campfire. Ready to get spooked? Here are 10 of the best Latino myths to get into the spooky season mood:
Los Aluxes (The Elves) from Mexico
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of Los Aluxes
In the Yucatán peninsula, the legend of the Aluxes is rooted in Mayan culture. These playful spirits look like tiny children, wearing sandals and hats, and usually hang out with a dog. They live in caves and protect the forests and farmers’ fields. But here’s the thing: the Aluxes treat you how you treat them. Be respectful, and they’ll help your crops thrive. But after seven years? You’ve gotta seal their tiny house, or they’ll start messing with you. We’re talking lost belongings, creepy sleepwalking, and nightmares. If you really anger them, you might come down with "mal aire" (bad air), a sickness only a specialized healer can cure. So yeah, better be nice to these little guys!
El Carruaje de la Muerte (The Carriage of Death) from Guatemala
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of El Carruaje de la Muerte
Picture this: a pitch-black carriage pulled by black horses with fiery red eyes, thundering through the streets of Guatemala City. That’s the "Carruaje de la Muerte"—The Carriage of Death—and it’s said to collect the souls of the dying. Legend has it, if you see it, you might be next. The carriage floats rather than rumbles, and the driver, dressed in black, can knock you out with just a glance. It’s also known to park outside the homes of those on their deathbeds. So, if you hear the sound of a carriage in Guatemala at night, head inside ASAP. Better safe than sorry…
La Tatuana (The Tatuana) from Guatemala
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of La Tatuana
Unlike your typical ghost or spirit, "La Tatuana" was believed to be a witch. She was purchased as a slave by a warlock during the Spanish Inquisition, who taught her dark magic and tattooed a ship on her arm for protection. When she was accused of witchcraft, she used a piece of coal to draw an identical ship on her prison wall. When her execution day arrived, she whispered some words and disappeared, boarding the drawn ship. Talk about a magical escape—La Tatuana was never seen again.
El Cadejo (The Dog with Red Eyes) from Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of El Cadejo
The legend of "El Cadejo" is one of the most popular myths in Central America. There are two versions of Cadejo: the evil black Cadejo, a wooly dog with fiery red eyes and goat hooves, and the protective white Cadejo, a friendly guardian. The black Cadejo attaches itself to men living reckless lives, leading them to rock bottom and destruction, while the white Cadejo watches over women and children, protecting them from harm. The two are mortal enemies, and it’s said that when the white Cadejo is guarding you, you might catch a whiff of sulfur—creepy, right?
La Niña de Negro (The Girl in Black) from Guatemala
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of La Niña de Negro
Since the early 1900s, a mysterious girl dressed in black has been spotted in Guatemala City’s cathedral. Frail and pale, she walks through the church, and those who see her say she offers a gold chain with a piece of paper attached. What’s on it? Her address. But here’s the twist: the address leads to the local cemetery. If someone tries to follow her, they won’t find her—just the eerie silence of the graveyard. Yeah, hard pass on that invitation, thank you very much!
El Mohan (Bigfoot) from Colombia
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of El Mohan
"El Mohán" is like Colombia’s version of Bigfoot, but with a twist. Sometimes described as a robust man with golden skin, other times as a hairy giant, El Mohán lives near rivers and is known for luring women with gold. Those who follow him are never seen again. If that’s not creepy enough, he’s also a nightmare for fishermen, stealing bait and scaring away their catches. Next time you’re near a river in Colombia, keep an eye out just in case.
El Chupacabras (The Goatsucker) from Latin America and the Caribbean
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of El Chupacabras
If you grew up in the 90’s, you probably remember hearing about the “Chupacabras” in mainstream media when reports of dead livestock drained of blood started popping up. This legendary creature, described as a reptilian, bloodsucking beast with red eyes and sharp quills, was allegedly first spotted in Puerto Rico in 1995. Since then, sightings have spread across Latin America, and to this day, people believe the Chupacabras is still out there, lurking in the shadows and preying on animals (and maybe people?).
La Siguanaba (The Siguanaba) from Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of La Siguanaba
"La Siguanaba" is an important part of Central American myths and we can see why. La Siguanaba is said to be a beautiful woman with long hair who lures unfaithful men to their doom. She appears near cliffs or rivers, and she makes men get out of their cars, luring them closer and closer to her. But once they’re close enough, her face transforms into that of a horrific horse with red eyes and wrinkled skin. Then, she pushes them to their deaths or takes their souls. In Guatemala, locals swear they’ve seen her wandering the streets at night, so if you ever find yourself alone on a quiet road in the country, it’s best to keep moving.
El Sombrerón (The Man with the Big Hat) from Guatemala
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of El Sombrerón
Legends say “El Sombrerón” is a short man dressed in black with boots, a thick belt, and a shiny buckle. He stands out for wearing a disproportionately large hat that covers his entire face. Creepy enough, but it gets worse. Legends say he roams the streets of Antigua, Guatemala, with four mules and a large guitar. The stories say that he lures young, long-haired women by serenading them with his guitar and sweet singing voice. Women who fall for this classic frat boy act, get haunted by el Sombrerón, who keeps them from sleeping and eating as he tightly weaves long braids in their hair. The only way to get rid of this guy is to cut your hair immediately. The audacity...
La Llorona (The Wailing Woman) from Guatemala, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela, and more
This image, generated by AI, illustrates the legend of La Llorona
“La Llorona” is one of the most well-known Latin American legends and the story varies a little depending on the country. In Mexico and Colombia, she was an indigenous woman who fell in love with a wealthy, married Spanish conquistador. While in Guatemala, she was a wealthy high-society woman. In Venezuela, her social status isn’t specified, but she’s a scorned woman who got cheated on by her husband. No matter how the stories change, each version has a few elements in common.
Her husband either dies and she loses her wealth and the ability to support her children or he cheats on her and leaves, causing her to lose her mind. Eventually, desperation makes her do the unthinkable: take her children to a river and drown them. When she realizes what she’s done, she spends nights wailing and crying for her children, until she can’t take it anymore and drowns herself. But here’s the kicker: her spirit stays around, still wailing for her kids. In some versions of the legend, she actually appears to married men as a beautiful woman and, if they plan on cheating on their wives, she shows her true appearance as a drowned corpse and haunts them until they lose their minds. Yikes...
There you have it! 10 spooky Latino legends to get into the Halloween mood. Whether you’re hearing about La Llorona for the first time or you grew up terrified of El Cadejo, these stories remind us that the supernatural is always lurking—especially during the spooky season.
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At the latest Donald Trump rally, held on October 27 in New York City’s Madison Square Garden, comedian Tony Hinchcliffe sparked controversy and widespread backlash with a series of degrading “jokes” and remarks about Latinos, more specifically Puerto Ricans, as well as Black, and Jewish people. The rally, intended as a high-energy event to bolster Trump’s final campaign push, was overshadowed by Hinchcliffe’s inflammatory and racist jokes that many felt crossed the line.
Calling Puerto Rico a “Floating Island of Garbage”
In one of the most incendiary moments of his set, Hinchcliffe referenced Puerto Rico by saying, “I don’t know if you guys know this, but there’s literally a floating island of garbage in the middle of the ocean right now.” He quipped, “I think it’s called Puerto Rico.” This remark was met with a mixed reaction of laughter, clapping, and boos from the audience, reflecting how divisive his comments were.
Hinchcliffe’s comment hit a particularly sensitive nerve for Puerto Ricans and Latinos in the U.S., especially those with ties to the island. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, home to over 3 million American citizens who have long grappled with inadequate federal support, particularly in the aftermath of 2017’s Hurricane Maria, which left thousands dead and many more struggling. Many saw Hinchcliffe’s “garbage” remark as an attempt to minimize the island’s struggles and disparage its residents.
The remarks prompted Democratic Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a vocal advocate for Latino communities and a Puerto Rican herself, to voice her disgust. On a live Twitch stream where she was joined by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, she said, “When you have some a-hole calling Puerto Rico floating garbage, know that that’s what they think about you.”
Walz, on the other hand, who is Harris’s running mate in the 2024 election, responded to the comments by calling Hinchcliffe a “jack-wad” and pointing out that “People in Puerto Rico are citizens. They pay tax and they serve in the military at almost a higher rate than anybody else.”
On Monday, October 28, Ocasio-Cortez went on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” where she denounced the Trump rally as “a hate rally.” She went on to say, “I think it’s very important for people to understand that these are mini Jan. 6 rallies.”
U.S. Senator from Connecticut, Chris Murphy, shared a similar sentiment on Twitter. “Not long ago, this kind of stuff would be shocking even from a fringe political movement. Now the Republican Party's closing campaign message is basically hate and racism. Just vile stuff,” he shared.
Perpetuating Offensive Stereotypes About Latinos
Hinchcliffe’s set continued to lean into blatant racism with jokes that perpetuate offensive stereotypes about Latino communities. At one point, he said, “These Latinos, they love making babies… there’s no pulling out. They don’t do that. They come inside, just like they did to our country.” Such stereotypes, which frame Latino communities as irresponsible, particularly about family planning, have been used historically to justify discriminatory policies and to scapegoat immigrant populations.
The remarks sparked reactions across the board. Erika Andiola, immigrant rights advocate, took to Twitter to say: “This is no joke. They mean this. Every single word. But this hate towards our people goes beyond rhetoric.”
Sunny Hostin, lawyer, journalist, author, and co-host on ABC's morning talk show “The View,” used her platform to speak her mind. "This Puerto Rican has something to say about the island that I love, where my family is from. Puerto Rico is trash? We are Americans, Donald Trump." Hostin concluded her message by saying, "My fellow Puerto Ricans, trash collection day is November 5, 2024. Don't forget it."
Julio Ricardo Valera, founder of The Latino Newsletter, brought attention to the fact that comedy is often used this way. On Twitter, he stated, “So tired of the continued American tradition of using "comedy" to insult Puerto Ricans. From West Side Story to Seinfield to Work It to the Trump comedian today. It's raw and insulting.”
Kamala Harris, Trump’s Democratic rival, was quick to denounce the comments through her campaign, releasing a video in which she addressed the importance of Puerto Rico to her platform and criticized Trump’s treatment of the island.
Puerto Rican celebrities, including rapper Bad Bunny, weighed in by sharing Harris’s remarks and promoting her commitment to Puerto Rico. Bad Bunny posted several videos on social media condemning the rhetoric and urging his millions of followers to vote. Ricky Martin, another well-known Puerto Rican celebrity, weighed in by telling his followers, “This is what they think of us,” in reference to Hinchcliffe’s remarks.
Racist Tropes Targeting Black and Jewish Communities
Hinchcliffe didn’t limit his offensive jokes to Latinos. He referenced anti-Black stereotypes by talking about one of his Black friends, saying, “We carved watermelons together.” The stereotype of Black people and watermelons dates back to post-Civil War America, where such associations were used to belittle Black citizens and portray them as lesser or unsophisticated. Hinchcliffe’s use of the trope was met with groans from the audience. The comedian also made antisemitic comments, stating that “Palestinians are rock-throwers” and in the same breath implying that “Jews would never spend money.”
Moreover, Hinchcliffe’s remarks were just one element of a rally that featured other controversial speakers. David Rem, a close friend of Trump’s, referred to Kamala Harris as “the devil” and “the antichrist,” while Rudy Giuliani accused Harris of supporting “terrorists” in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Radio host Sid Rosenberg attacked Hillary Clinton, calling her a “sick son of a b*tch” and accusing Democrats of being “Jew-haters and lowlives.” These comments added to the tone of divisiveness and hostility that defined the evening’s events, amplifying the national conversation around Trump’s campaign.
Trump’s Campaign Response
Amid the controversy, a Trump campaign spokesperson, Danielle Alvarez, reportedly issued a statement saying, “This joke does not reflect the views of President Trump or the campaign.” However, critics pointed out that Trump’s track record on Puerto Rican issues has often drawn similar criticism.
In 2017, Trump was famously filmed tossing paper towels to Puerto Ricans after Hurricane Maria, an act widely seen as dismissive. As reported by NBC Philadelphia, Philadelphia councilmember Quetcy Lozada referenced the incident, saying, “Trump wants to act like he doesn’t hate Puerto Ricans, but his record says otherwise.”
Despite Alvarez’s distancing statement, the comedian continued to defend his jokes, saying on Twitter, “These people have no sense of humor.” In response to Ocasio-Cortez and Walz’s comments, Hinchcliffe added, “I love Puerto Rico and vacation there. I made fun of everyone… watch the whole set.”
A Potential Misstep in the Final Stretch
With around 36 million eligible Latino voters in 2024, the fallout from these comments could impact Trump’s outreach to the Latino community, especially in key battleground states. Pennsylvania, for instance, has a sizable Puerto Rican population, as do other critical states like Florida.
The Madison Square Garden rally was intended as a rallying cry for Trump’s supporters as the election approaches. Yet, it became a focal point of criticism due to offensive jokes and inflammatory rhetoric. Although Trump’s campaign attempted to disassociate itself from Hinchcliffe’s comments, the divisive impact of the evening remains clear. With the Latino vote playing a crucial role in this election, this event could have far-reaching consequences for Trump’s campaign in the days ahead.
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The world has seen countless inspiring women rise to fight for justice and equality, particularly for marginalized and oppressed communities. Their tireless advocacy has brought much-needed attention to issues such as women's and Indigenous rights, environmental justice, and preserving Indigenous knowledge and culture.
Despite their challenges and obstacles, these Latin American Indigenous women serve as powerful role models and reminders of the transformative potential of grassroots activism. Let’s take a closer look at their extraordinary lives and legacies:Comandanta Ramona
Photo by bastian (Heriberto Rodriguez) on Wikimedia Commons
Comandanta Ramona, born in 1959 in a Tzotzil Maya community in the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, was a founding member of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN), based in the same region. She served as a spokesperson for the group and came to represent the Indigenous resistance movement.
But Ramona's impact extended far beyond her leadership role within the EZLN. As a woman in a male-dominated organization, she challenged gender norms and fought tirelessly for gender equality. She spoke out against gender-based violence and worked to empower women in Indigenous communities, advocating for their participation in decision-making processes and establishing women's cooperatives.
Ramona's contributions to the Zapatista movement were groundbreaking. She helped establish the Revolutionary Law of Women, recognizing women's contributions to the struggle for Indigenous rights and granting them equal rights. She paved the way for women's leadership within the movement through her efforts.
Ramona's legacy as a feminist and Indigenous leader continues to inspire activists and social justice movements worldwide. Although she passed away in 2006 after battling cancer, her spirit lives on in the struggle against oppression, injustice, and discrimination.Rigoberta Menchú
Photo by Carlos Rodriguez on Wikimedia Commons
Rigoberta Menchú, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate and K'iche' Maya woman from Guatemala, has dedicated her life to advocating for women's and Indigenous rights. Growing up in a family of Indigenous peasants, Menchú experienced firsthand the discrimination and poverty that Indigenous communities face.
Menchú became involved in social justice movements at a young age and joined the Committee of Peasant Unity. This group fought for land rights and the empowerment of Indigenous communities. During Guatemala's civil war, she spoke out against government-sanctioned violence and human rights abuses, becoming a prominent voice for Indigenous women's rights.
Menchú's groundbreaking book "I, Rigoberta Menchú," published in 1983, chronicled her experiences growing up as an Indigenous woman in Guatemala and the struggles faced by her community. The book became an international bestseller, spotlighting Indigenous issues and women's rights in Latin America.
Menchú's advocacy and activism earned her numerous accolades, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 1992. But her work is far from over. She continues to fight for the rights of Indigenous people and women, advocating for issues such as access to healthcare and education, and raising awareness about domestic violence and sexual assault.Lolita Chávez Ixcaquic
Photo by Paula López Reig on Wikimedia Commons
Lolita Chávez Ixcaquic, a K'iche' Maya woman from Guatemala, is a prominent voice in the global fight for environmental and Indigenous rights, defending their land and natural resources against exploitation and destruction.
But her activism has not come without challenges. As a woman in a patriarchal society, Chávez Ixcaquic has faced discrimination, violence, and even death threats for her tireless efforts to promote justice and equality.
But despite these challenges, she has worked to raise awareness about Indigenous women's obstacles, including gender-based violence, discrimination, and lack of access to healthcare and education. She was a finalist for the prestigious Sakharov Human Rights Prize and was awarded the Romero Human Rights Award for her environmental and Indigenous rights activism.
Chávez Ixcaquic's leadership has been crucial in promoting greater participation of women in decision-making processes and leadership positions within Indigenous communities. She has served as a mentor and role model for young Indigenous women, inspiring them to become activists and advocates for their communities.
Guadalupe Vázquez Luna
Photo by koman ilel on Wikimedia Commons
Guadalupe Vázquez Luna is a Mexican activist, artisan, and councilwoman who represents the Tzotzil people in the National Indigenous Congress and is a survivor of the Acteal massacre.
Despite the devastating impact of losing her parents and five siblings in the Acteal massacre, Guadalupe persevered with tenacity and determination. Despite the rampant machismo in her community trying to hold her back, she completed her elementary and secondary education.
Her activism aims to achieve justice for her people, fight against so-called "death projects," and bring attention to the region's problems. On International Women's Day 2018, Vázquez Luna led a group of women from Las Abejas in a protest against the military presence in their communities. She confronted soldiers at the military barracks in Majomut, Chenalho, with a powerful message of unity and respect.
Vázquez Luna's story and that of Las Abejas de Acteal are told in the documentary "Lupita. Que retiemble la tierra," directed by Mónica Wise and Eduardo Gutiérrez Wise in 2019, provides insight into different facets of her life, such as being a mother, a fearless activist, an orator, and a leader.
Berta Cáceres
Photo by UN Environment on Wikimedia Commons
Berta Cáceres was a Honduran environmental and Indigenous rights activist who fought for the rights of women and Indigenous communities in Honduras.
As a member of the Lenca Indigenous community, Cáceres was a prominent leader in the struggle against large-scale development projects that threatened Indigenous lands and resources. She founded the Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Organizations of Honduras (COPINH), a grassroots organization that advocated for Indigenous rights and environmental justice.
She advocated for the inclusion of women in leadership positions within Indigenous communities and called for greater participation of women in decision-making processes. Cáceres also supported the creation of women's cooperatives and other initiatives to empower women and promote economic development in Indigenous communities.
In 2016, unknown gunmen assassinated Cáceres in her home, sparking international outrage. Her death was widely seen as a result of her activism and the threats she faced for her work defending Indigenous and environmental rights.
Despite her tragic death, Cáceres continues to inspire activists and Indigenous communities worldwide to fight for justice, equality, and the protection of their lands and resources.
Leydy Pech
An Indigenous Mayan beekeeper born and raised in the city of Hopelchén in Campeche, Mexico, Leydy Pech has become a leading voice in the global fight for environmental and Indigenous rights. Her tireless advocacy has brought much-needed attention to the importance of protecting the environment and the rights of Indigenous communities, especially women.
Pech led a coalition that successfully stopped Monsanto, an American agrochemical and agricultural biotechnology company, from planting genetically modified (GM) soybeans in southern Mexico. In November 2015, Mexico's Supreme Court ruled that the government violated the constitutional rights of the Mayan people by not consulting them, canceling Monsanto's permits, and stopping GM soybean planting in Campeche and Yucatán.
Thanks to Pech’s organizing, in 2017, Mexico’s Food and Agricultural Service revoked Monsanto’s permit in seven states, marking a historic move by the government to protect indigenous communities and the environment from GM crops. Pech's leadership has been instrumental in promoting the rights of Indigenous communities to control their own resources and determine their own development. She has been a fierce opponent of large-scale agro-industrial projects that threaten Indigenous lands and resources, such as the use of genetically modified crops.
But Pech's activism goes beyond environmental concerns. She has also been a vocal advocate for women's rights within Indigenous communities, raising awareness about the challenges faced by Indigenous women, including gender-based violence and discrimination. As a beekeeper, Pech has also strongly advocated for the conservation of bees and other pollinators, which play a crucial role in sustaining biodiversity and agriculture.
The work of these six Latin American Indigenous women activists highlights the ongoing struggles and achievements of their communities, and their stories are a reminder of the power of grassroots activism and the importance of continuing to support efforts that uplift marginalized voices.
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