5 Kushal Brata Ghosh - 2 months ago
Founded in the 7th century, Coyoacán is one of the oldest and richest cities in Mexico. When the Spanish arrived in present-day Mexico City, they found the area covered in lakes. So, they chose a special place to settle: Coyoacán. Amongst distinguished locals who lived in Coyoacán were Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo and Leon Trotsky.
For some years quite a few businesses in numerous cities have capitalized on the natural human interest in the supernatural to stage ‘ghost tours’: the concept has swiftly moved from a burgeoning to established industry in this age of tourism.
The Callejón del Aguacate (Avocado Alley) in the middle of Coyoacán is among the most noteworthy legendary sites of demonic manifestations. The street got its name from an Avocado tree located there. The narrowness of the cobblestone street that barely admits modern vehicles define the alley. With an appearance that has not been affected by the modern. The old colonial-style buildings that flank it have certainly contributed to a series of eerie myths surrounding the alley. The street is considered to be one of the places in Mexico about which the most horror stories and paranormal reports circulate.
The most widespread legend is said to have happened at the end of the 1930s , when a war veteran allegedly lived here, whose head was disfigured as a result of acts of war. On his walks he met a boy who was fascinated by his medals hanging on his uniform and who would have liked to play with them. The soldier was so annoyed by the boy that he killed him and hung him on a branch of the avocado tree. On some days the child's wailing is said to still be heard near the tree and his face is mysteriously engraved on the tree trunk.
A niche at the corner of the alley still bears a figure of the Virgin Mary. The same legend claims that the child’s murderer placed it here, to expiate his sin and to beg for pardon.
Another well-known legend of this place is that of a father who is said to have killed his entire family there and buried them in a neighboring garden.
Another story tells of a man who was run over in the small street. Allegedly since then he has returned to the place every night between 2 and 3 a.m., his piercing laughter can be heard in the alley.
The peculiar mystery that one can still breathe attracted several generations of both national and foreign artists and intellectuals here. However, I did not feel any change in the vibe, nor in the atmosphere. Even when the existence of ghosts is highly disputable, this old avocado alley is definitely a place to explore on foot. You will enter another era and place, with some walls still made of adobe. The houses, facades, alleys and nearby coffee shops, the way sunlight arrives will make your visit a memorable walk.
