Spain and Latin America (folk tale)

El Cuco

Folklore — not a documented case

A tale, told across Spanish-speaking cultures, of a demonic figure that hides in the dark, used to frighten disobedient children into behaving. Passed down by parents for centuries, this entirely fictional figure is part of the region's child-rearing tradition.

Known across Spanish-speaking cultures as 'el coco,' 'el cuco,' or 'el cucuy,' this figure is the most widespread cautionary tale told to children.

The stories in this section are folk tales and legends; they are not verified, real events and should not be confused with the rest of the archive.

From the same region