La Llorona, Picante Pero Sabroso: The Mexican Horror Legend as a Story of Survival and a Reclamation of the Monster


Camille Maria Acosta (Independant, New Mexico Arts Folk Arts Program)

For centuries, the relationship between Mexico and its infatuation with the horror story has been profoundly complex and all too intriguing, but why? Perhaps it is the easiest way to communicate a Mexican culture, although proud and resilient, riddled with haunting narratives. Through fieldwork, ethnography, difficult conversations, and personal exploration, I dive deep into the legend-filled world of La Llorona and explore how stories that illustrate the terrifying “monsters” Mexicans may face on a daily basis could help us learn how to defeat those monsters, or even reclaim them as tools of communication. Maybe, you’ll learn about your Llorona too.

Part of 07-08 Women, Legend, and Ballad in Greater Mexico, Saturday, October 15, 8:00 am–10:00 am