Welcome! It’s Monday and Day 3 of the A to Z blog challenge.
Today we’re heading to Columbia to learn about La Sirena De Hurtado, en Valledupar, Colombia.
The Guatapuri River in Valledupar, Columbia is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Columbia. But, children are warned to stay away from the river, especially on Good Friday, not only because it was a holy day but because of the legend of the Columbian mermaid, La Sirena.
According to the legend, a headstrong girl disobeyed her parents and went into the river on Good Friday. She instantly turned into a mermaid. Because she is lonely, she lures other children to the river and they too become mermaids.
You can read about some children who narrowly escaped this fate in The Legend of the Mermaid by Janet Balleta (author) and Estella Mejia.
If you travel to Columbia, be on the lookout for a huge mermaid statue overlooking the Guataputi River.
NYX
C is also for Cayucos, California which celebrates Mermaids in March. Businesses and homes display mermaids all about town during the entire month.
Stop by Happy Go Smile for things that mermaids love.
Thanks for swimming through the blog challenge with me. Drop by tomorrow for another “D”-lightful mermaid day.
I heard of this legend, or another very smilar, in a challenge last year.
Spirits who haunt the banks of reaves seem to be quite common, don’t they?
@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter – Jazz Age Jazz
Yes, this is a common theme. Many of these stories are used to warn children of dangers that lurk outside.
Great theme for AtoZ. Looking foward to more.
I’m not sure turning into a mermaid would’ve deterred me from going into the river… More like enticed me, haha. Very cool post!
Guilie @ Life In Dogs (and member of co-host Damyanti’s team, D’s Company )
Good point!
The legend of Columbian mermaids sounds so fascinating. 🙂
Interesting! I have heard about women turning into mermaids, but not children…
@TarkabarkaHolgy from
The Multicolored Diary
MopDog
I don’t know of any other mermaid legends that involve children but I’ll be on the lookout for them.
I didn’t know a city here in Ca had a month of mermaid celebration. By the wine bottles on that logo, I’m guessing it offers another reason for people to have a little fun!
Cayucos is near the Central Coast wine region – have you been to this area yet? San Luis Obispo County
Visiting of 3rd day of the #Challenge. Love finding new blogs. You have done a wonderful job with these three letters, A< B< C……congratulations. If you have time or interest in historic hotels and inns that is my theme this year. Hope to see you.
I’d never heard about that legend before, but it’s pretty cool. I always enjoy learning more about legends and mythologies.
@DoreeWeller from
Doree Weller’s Blog
I love all your pictures. Great post. Thanks for sharing.
Best Wishes
Jo-Ann Carson
http://www.lovindanger.wordpress.com
Another cool mermaid legend, Claire. I had no idea that Cayucas celebrated mermaids for a whole month. Now did you go there because of the mermaids or did they start celebrating them because of you?
You are funny! The mermaids are there as part of the Sea Glass Festival.