In honor of our "Legendary Monster Series," leading up to Halloween and El Dia de Los Muertos, we're exploring legends and ghost stories from around Latin America. And next on the list is El Arbol del Vampiro, which has been haunting locals and visitors for centuries.
One of Mexico's most eerie and enduring legends is literally growing in the historic Belen Cemetery in Guadalajara. It’s el Árbol del Vampiro, or the Vampire Tree, said to grow atop of a vampire’s tomb. “The day will come when this gnarl will break the barrier slab covering the vampire, allowing him to escape and seek revenge on Guadalajara.” the site RenegadePR writes.
Find out more about the vampire and his final resting place under a majestic, and cursed, tree.
El Árbol del Vampiro Legend
“It all began in the colonial era, right at the end of the 18th century, when a man named Jorge arrived,” the Expediente Paranormal RV podcast explains. “He seemed like a pleasant fellow. However, shortly after his arrival, in the midst of the panic that gripped the entire city, a dark secret was revealed.”
As time passed, a series of strange and terrifying events unfolded. Livestock was found dead, drained of blood, and the townspeople began to whisper about a vampire lurking in their midst. Panic spread through the city as the killings continued, leading the frightened citizens to suspect that Jorge was not who he seemed.
The Vampire's Capture and Death
The townspeople eventually caught Jorge in the act, his eyes glowing red as he attempted to escape. He fled to Belen Cemetery, hoping to find refuge among the graves. But he was cornered by a mob and subdued by more than ten men. A priest was called, and he drove a wooden stake deep into Jorge’s heart. As the stake was driven in, Jorge screamed curses and swore that he would return to exact revenge. He was then buried in the cemetery, seemingly ending the terror.
“... but shortly after, a tree began to grow on the grave, breaking everything around it,” the Expediente Paranormal RV podcast explains. “The branches and the imposing presence of what is now known as the Vampire Tree have fueled the belief that if the tree is ever cut down or the roots fully break through the tombstone, the vampire will return.”
The legend says that the tree is a sign that Jorge's curse is still active. And that Jorge will rise again to fulfill his promise of revenge.
The Tree Bleeds
Visitors to the cemetery will find a fence placed around the tree to stop tourists from picking the tree’s leaves, or hurting it in other ways.
“The legend says … If you cut a leaf, blood is going to come out. So a lot of people want to cut leaves or make holes to see blood,” an anonymous Reddit user recently explained.
The cemetery’s keepers built the fence to keep it intact. “Tourists take photos and have even cut off branches to see if it bleeds,” Telemundo reported this summer.
Want to Visit?
As Halloween and El Dia de los Muertos approaches, the tree and its legendary history will grow. And thrill-seekers and fans of the macabre are all invited to visit. The cemetery offers guided tours where visitors can learn more about the legend of El Árbol del Vampiro, as well as its other haunting tales. Belen Cemetery Director Julio Herrera says people come from all over for the legends and ghost stories. Turns out, a vampire isn’t the only one haunting these grounds.
“Local lore includes the legends of the Pirate, the Lovers, the Monk, the Nun, the Vampire Tree, the Child Afraid of the Dark, and more,” Atlas Obsura writes. “People have claimed to see these deceased residents haunting the graveyard over the years.”
