Among Mexico City’s spookiest stories is that of the Isla de las Muñecas de Xochimilco. It is a sinister legend that has attracted the attention of neighbors and visitors. There are even organized tours to experience a little bit of the panic that is breathed in this place. Turn on the lights because here we tell you what it is all about.
Its official name is Isla de las Muñecas de Don Julián and it is located in one of the chinampas; to get there you have to board a trajinera. And yes, its appearance is truly terrifying. There are old dolls everywhere: disheveled, dirty, some without heads?
The creepiest thing is the vibe. And how could it be otherwise if the legend states that a little girl died at the foot of the chinampa. Yes, some years ago this place belonged to a man named Julian Santana. He lived alone and dedicated his time to farming.
One day he saw the body of a girl floating in the canal; she was already dead. Julián buried her in his chinampa and, since then, he began to hear strange sounds. Wailing, crying and paranormal whispers.
Days later, Julian found a doll floating in the canal. He thought it belonged to the little girl, so he picked it up and hung it in one of the island’s trees. He thought the soul of the deceased would be quiet and the crying would end. It didn’t.
In fact, the moaning intensified. It was then that Julian began to collect every doll he could to appease the soul of the drowned woman. Some were bought, some were found, and some were gifts from neighbors.
Don’t think that the dolls caused Julián Santana any fear. On the contrary, they were a symbol of protection and companionship for the lonely man.
What is the relationship between the Isla de las Muñecas de Xochimilco and the legend of La Llorona?
Although it seems that they are completely different stories, there are versions that assure a relationship between the Llorona and the girl who drowned in the chinampa of Julian Santana.
The story assures that the girl is the daughter of the feared Llorona. This woman drowned her in the canals of Xochimilco during the Spanish conquest. The little girl was the fruit of the love between an indigenous woman and a Spaniard.
However, it turned out to be a forbidden love, and was pointed out by society, so the woman decided to end the life of her own daughter. Now she cries and wanders disconsolate in search of her child.
How to visit the island
This site has become one of the most acclaimed attractions in Xochimilco. There are tourist agencies that offer guided tours. You can also join horror experiences that will take you there, especially during the Day of the Dead and Halloween.
One of them is Night of Legends in Xochimilco, an event where you will arrive aboard a trajinera. Would you dare to join the tour?