Some stories persist for hundreds of years. La Llorona is one such story. Though there is much speculation about where exactly the original story began, it is clear that La Llorona as a legend and myth has staying power. What is it about the weeping woman that has captured our imaginations for centuries? And how has the story of La Llorona changed over time? 

Irene Vásquez, chair of the Chicana and Chicano Studies at the University of New Mexico, has a lot to say about why this folk tale is so compelling and how the best stories take on a life of their own. 

Mentioned In This Episode: 

UNM Chicana and Chicano Studies

Southwest Hispanic Research Institute

Gloria Anzaldúa’s La Llorona story

Borderlands/La Frontera by Gloria Anzaldúa

COVID-19 version of La Llorona story as referenced in Regeneración: A Xicanacimiento Studies Journal

Roots of La Llorona story

2019 La Llorona film set in Guatemala

The Curse of La Llorona film

“Woman Hollering Creek” La Llorona story by Sandra Cisneros

“La Lloroncita” song by Rómulo Castro y el Grupo Tuira

For further reading and more resources, view the full show notes.

***

We’d love to hear from you! Let us know what you loved about the episode, share a personal story it made you think of, or ask us a question at [email protected]. You can write a regular email or record a short voice memo and attach it for us to listen to. 

Visit newmexicoculture.org for info about our museums, historic sites, virtual tours, and more. 

Our favorite way to fully experience everything they have to offer is with the New Mexico CulturePass. Reserve yours online!  

If you love New Mexico, you’ll love El Palacio Magazine! Subscribe to El Palacio today. ***

Encounter Culture is a production of the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, produced and edited by Andrea Klunder at The Creative Impostor Studios.

Hosted by Emily Withnall, editor at El Palacio Magazine Executive Producer: Daniel Zillmann Technical Director & Post-Production Audio: Edwin R. Ruiz Recording Engineer: Kabby at Kabby Sound Studios in Santa Fe Editor & Production Manager: Alex Riegler Associate Producer & Editor: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Lakota) Theme Music: D’Santi Nava

Instagram: @newmexicanculture and @elpalaciomagazine