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XOCHIMILCO
According to the legend, he discovered the body of a little girl floating near the shore. Soon after, he found a doll in the water and believed it belonged to her. Feeling frightened and sorry for the girl, he hung the doll from a tree to honor her memory and to protect himself from her spirit.
The legend of the Island of the Dolls is one of the most famous stories in Xochimilco, Mexico. It is about a man named Don Julián Santana, who lived alone on a small island surrounded by canals.
As the years went by, Don Julián became convinced that the island was haunted. He said he could hear whispers, footsteps, and strange noises during the night. To keep away evil spirits, he started collecting old dolls wherever he could find them. Many of the dolls were broken, dirty, or missing eyes and limbs.
He placed them all around the island, hanging them from trees and buildings. People who visited noticed that Don Julián became more isolated and spent most of his time caring for the dolls.
Later, he was found dead in the same area where he had discovered the little girl years before. Today, the Island of the Dolls attracts tourists from around the world who come to see the dolls and hear the mysterious legend. Many visitors also report feeling uneasy while walking around the island.
Haunt, H. (2026, julio 21). Island of the Dolls (Isla de las Muñecas): History, Legends & the Haunting of xochimilco. Halloween Haunt. https://halloweenhaunt.info/island-of-thedolls-isla-de-las-munecas-history-legendsthe-haunting-of-xochimilco/
Island of the Dolls guide: what it is, how to get there and what to expect. (2026, junio 4). Mexico City Trip. https://www.mexicocitytrip.com/guides/island-of-thedolls-guide/