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La Llorona
The Weeping Woman who drowned her children and now wanders waterways crying for them. She's dressed in white, wailing 'Ay, mis hijos!' If she catches you, she may drown you—mistaking you for her lost children.
1500 - Present
Mexico and American Southwest
10000+ witnesses
La Llorona (The Weeping Woman) is one of the most famous ghosts in Mexican and Latin American folklore.
The Legend
According to documented folklore:
La Llorona:
- Was a beautiful woman
- Drowned her children
- Now weeps eternally
- Wanders near water
- Seeks her lost children
The Story
The classic tale:
- Maria was poor but beautiful
- Married a wealthy man
- He later abandoned her
- In grief/rage, she drowned her children
- Then drowned herself
Appearance
La Llorona appears as:
- A woman in white
- Long black hair
- Weeping and wailing
- Near rivers and lakes
- At night
The Cry
Her wail:
- “¡Ay, mis hijos!” (Oh, my children!)
- Heard near water
- Mournful and terrifying
- Echoes through the night
- Warns of her presence
Dangers
Encountering her:
- She may mistake you for her child
- Try to drown you
- Or her wail can kill
- Children are most at risk
- Never approach the crying
Protection
To stay safe:
- Avoid water at night
- If you hear crying, flee
- Never follow the sound
- Don’t let children wander
- Cross yourself if you see her