El Cuco

As a country of very vivid culture, it’s not surprise that the Dominican Republic packs a book-worthy personality. Whether it’s the fast pace of downtown Santo Domingo, or the laid back nature of the campo; one thing remains consistent. The legendary El Cuco. For ages parents have been using this mythological monster to put the fear of God into their children. (This is equivalent to the Boogeyman in American Culture)

The term was believed to be African, originating from the Yoruba tribe. However, El Cuco was originally a European pumpkinhead, the legend actually began with Spanish and Portuguese colonizers.

At first glance El Cuco may seem like a harmless jack-o-lantern that any normal American would see on Halloween but to Dominicans this monster is terrifying. This is still practiced today as it is passed down from parents to children.

It is also important to note that El Cuco has a few different meanings. Many Mexicans refer to the mythological creature as the Coco Man, he is used around Christmas to demand repentance through Catholic prayers. In Brazil he is viewed as Sack Man and he is also used during Christmas. Dominicans tell their kids that El Cuco will eat them if they do not go to sleep or obey them. The idea behind this is to keep kids in line and to give them something to be afraid of so they won’t misbehave.

“Duermete jovenito, duermete ya…que viene el cuco y te comera”

In other words…you’d better go to sleep now before el cuco comes to eat you.