A country full of Lloronas: La Llorona as a protest symbol against enforced disappearances in Mexico

Abstract

La Llorona, or the Weeping Woman, is perhaps the most famous figure of Mexican supernatural folklore. This murderous mother turned into a restless spirit has traditionally been used as a cautionary tale for children; however, she has acquired a new meaning in present-day Mexico. The war against drug cartels that began in 2006 has resulted in an unprecedented wave of violence. The country is currently facing an epidemic of enforced disappearances with thousands of citizens who are detained by the authorities and are never seen again. Since the Mexican government has failed to address this crisis, activists are raising their voices to help bring justice and closure to the families of the victims. La Llorona has become a symbol of their struggle. This thesis explores how Mexican activists and artists transform La Llorona and turn her into an appealing symbol of protest against enforced disappearance, and how, in doing so, they challenge patriarchal values and colonialism.