Oral traditions

Tales and legends

Many of the legends passed from generation to generation were created in the city of Antigua Guatemala . Maybe their own streets and old houses played an important role in this, for the inhabitants have long imagined the presence of supernatural beings existing in the city. Among the well known stories, you will find La Siguanaba, the tale of a beautiful woman with long hair. She thrills men who play on a woman's sentiments. When she is suddenly seen very closely, her shape changes to that of a horse, and she takes away the unfortunate man. It is said that she can be seen at night nearby Tanque de la Unión. There is also the story of El Cadejo, a spirit in a dog's shape whose job it is to take care of drunkards and guide them home. El Sombrerón, also known as El Duende, is a little man, no more than one meter tall, who chases beautiful women with long hair. They must have their hair cut if they wish to drive him away. He seems to appear near Calle Ancha de los Herreros. If you wish to learn more about these tales, do not hesitate to talk to an Antiguan or visit any "tienda de barrio" (small neighborhood store) usually attended by the owner, a person who listens to and narrates these and other stories told only locally.