They say that many years ago, there was a beautiful woman named María, who lived in a small village near a river. She was so stunning that everyone admired her — including a rich, handsome man who came riding through town one day. He fell in love with her at first sight.

María married him, and they had two children. But after a few years, he grew tired of her. He started spending more time away, and when he returned, he barely looked at her and only cared for the kids. One day, he came back with another woman. Younger. Richer. Fancier. He said goodbye to María like she meant nothing.

Broken and enraged, María took their two children down to the river — the same one where she met him — and in a moment of madness and heartbreak, she drowned them.

The moment the water went still, she realized what she’d done and let out a bloodcurdling scream. She searched the riverbanks day and night, crying, begging for her children to come back. But it was too late.

They found her body a few days later. Some say she died from grief, others say she walked into the river to join them.

But she never found peace.

Now, they say her spirit is near rivers and canals, dressed in a long white gown, her black hair hanging wet over her face. She wails through the night:

“¡Ay, mis hijos!“

If you’re near water after dark and hear her cry, run. She’s looking for her children — and if she sees you, she might take you instead.

Some say she appears to children who misbehave. Others say if you hear her cry close, you’re safe — but if her voice sounds far away, she’s actually right behind you.

So, if you’re ever near a river, and you hear a woman crying…

Don’t look back.