Many Mexican scary stories have a moral aspect. They are not just told to scare people but also to teach a lesson. For example, the stories about the Nahual might be a warning about the power that people can have and how it can be misused. Also, the use of local legends and cultural beliefs makes these stories unique. The idea of the afterlife and the spirits that exist in Mexican culture play a big role in making these stories scary as they tap into the unknown and the feared aspects of the spiritual world.
A typical element is the presence of a tragic backstory. Just like with La Llorona who had a very sad and disturbing past that led to her becoming a vengeful spirit. Also, many Mexican scary stories involve the dark side of nature. For instance, the El Chupacabra is associated with the idea of a predator in the natural world gone horribly wrong. It preys on livestock in a very unnatural way, which adds to the scariness.
One common element is the appearance of the goat being strange. For example, it might have glowing eyes or an unusual color like all black. Another element is that the goat often makes scary sounds, like a blood - curdling scream or a strange mix of noises. Also, there is usually a sense of mystery or bad omen associated with the goat, such as misfortune following those who encounter it.
Supernatural powers play a big role. For example, in the Nahual stories, the ability to transform is a key aspect. Also, a sense of moral judgment is often present. The scary entities usually are a result of some wrong - doing, like La Llorona's act of killing her children. And there is often an element of mystery, leaving the details somewhat hazy to increase the scariness.
One common theme is the presence of supernatural beings from Mexican folklore like La Llorona or El Chupacabra. These entities often bring fear and chaos to the lives of the characters in the stories.
Ghosts are a common element. Like in 'La Llorona', the spirit of a wronged woman haunts. Another is strange creatures such as 'El Chupacabra'. It represents the unknown and the fear of the wild. Supernatural powers also play a role, like the cursing abilities of 'La Bruja'.
The idea of punishment for misdeeds. With El Cucuy, it's about kids being punished for being naughty. It creates a fear in children that something bad will happen if they don't follow the rules, and the unknown nature of this bogeyman - like figure makes it scarier.
One common element is the use of historical or cultural locations. For example, old haciendas or ancient ruins often serve as the backdrop for these stories. Another is the presence of a tragic figure. Like La Llorona, who had a very sad backstory. Also, many Mexican ghost stories involve the idea of revenge or unfinished business. The ghosts are often there to seek justice or make amends for something that happened to them in life.
Mexican scary stories also originated from the daily life experiences of the people. Fears about nature, such as floods, droughts, and wild animals, were often incorporated into these stories. For instance, the story of El Chupacabra might have been inspired by unexplained deaths of livestock, which people attributed to a mysterious and terrifying creature. Over time, these stories were told and retold, evolving and becoming part of the rich Mexican folklore.
Family support also plays a crucial role. In many cases, family members help each other out, whether it's by pooling resources or taking care of the children while one family member pursues an education or a business opportunity. For instance, a Mexican immigrant might start a landscaping business with the help of his brothers. They all contribute their skills and time to make it successful. And also, adaptability is key. Mexican immigrants who are successful are able to adapt to the new culture, learn the language, and understand the local business environment. This allows them to integrate well and find opportunities that match their skills and ambitions.
One common element is accommodation issues like overbooking or dirty rooms. Another is problems with food, such as getting food poisoning. Also, issues with transportation, like unreliable rental cars or getting scammed by taxi drivers.
Poor hygiene is a common one. In some stories, the dental tools are not properly sterilized, which can lead to infections. For example, a patient might get a gum infection after a routine cleaning just because the tools were dirty.