Legends of Love from Guanajuato
J.L. Rocha Collections
Legends of Love from Guanajuato
Mexican History
When it comes to things that we do, our love and passion fuels the desire to continue on a mission create a captivating and impactful change for those around us. This is true for a wide range of professions, organizations, and individuals the world over; however, the history of passion and love in Leon Guanajuato is one that leaves its mark through the legends that form our folklore. While we reflect on what inspires us and what we love we find ourselves connecting back to our history to see what we can learn from the beautiful love that led us to today. Join us as we go over three legends of love from Leon, Guanajuato.
“El mundo nace cuando dos se besan”
The world is born when two kiss - Octavio Paz
The Alleyway of the Kiss
El Callejón del Beso is one of the most emblematic places in Guanajuato. The legend about this place is based on the story of Carmen, a young woman who was an only daughter and whose father was very jealous and violent. Doña Carmen was courted by Luis, a humble miner, and when her father discovered this: he locked her in her room and threatened to send her to a convent.
A window in Carmen's house overlooked a narrow alley, so narrow that from this window one could touch the opposite wall of the alley with their hand. It was in this way that Carmen and Luis could see each other, through the window that overlooked the alley; kindling their love. However, they were discovered by the young woman's father, who, seized with anger, attacked his own daughter.
Dying - Carmen held Luis’s hand in hers, and said goodbye with a kiss. The alley where Carmen's window was, through which she could meet her beloved, is 68 centimeters wide and still exists in Guanajuato. Tradition has it when visiting - lovers should kiss each other on the third step to be granted 15 years of good luck, lovers who fail to kiss on the third step will have 7 years of bad luck. A reminder to always cherish and fight for what you love.
“Una página limpia es un cuerpo dispuesto a la entrega, un barco a punto de ser tomado por más alto, un trago de coñac bajo la lluvia.”
A blank page is a body open to giving, a boat sailing to unimaginable heights, and a glass of coñac under the rain. - Vicente Quirarte
The Legend of the Pípila
This is the legend of a modest miner, a native of San Miguel de Allende, but who at that time worked in the neighboring village of Mellado. His name was Juan José de los Reyes Martínez, better known in history for the nickname "Pipila"
In the early days of Revolutionary México, in order to take Guanajuato, a large fortress stood in the way of freedom. Joined by a handful of people from the town, he arrived in Guanajuato. The main objective was to take the Alhóndiga de Granaditas where the intendant Riaño barricaded himself with the soldiers of the garrison. The treasures within the fortress (approximately three million pesos), silver in bars, cash and notes from the Royal Treasury, in addition to supplies and food, were necessary to resist the siege from the revolutionaries. The combat was frightful and the acts of courage and heroism followed each other.
In the bloody and unspeakable battle, that humble miner from Mellado, threw a slab from the quarry on his back, and provided with a torch, walked himself to the door of the fortress, where he set fire to the door - claiming certain victory. As the wood gave way, the crowd lunged, not caring that many fell dead to the Spaniards' closed discharges. Had it not been for the "Pipila"- the fate of the insurrection would have been different, that is, the independence of Mexico would have been consummated, but who knows how long later, in what conditions and at the cost of what sacrifices. This momentous episode, the opening of an epic that opens which holds one of the most excellent pages of the history of Mexico.
“La poesía sirve para que las almas extraviadas de encuentren.”
Poetry serves so that even the most lost souls can still find each other. - Benito Taibo
Legend of the Princess of the Bufa
It is said that in El Cerro de la Bufa (Bufa Hill) - an enchanted princess of rare beauty appears on the morning of each of the Thursday holidays of the year in search of a young man to lead her to the main altar of what today it is the Basilica of Guanajuato. Legend has it that upon arriving at that site the enchanted city will once again shine, all silver, which was this capital many years ago, and that she, the girl with the spell, will regain her human condition.
However to break this enchantment there are precise conditions, such that the traveler, fascinated by the beauty of the young woman who calls him, has enough willpower to withstand various tests; that when carrying her in his arms he walks forward without embarrassment and without turning his face, nevertheless it is said one hears voices calling to him and other strange noises produced behind him. If the chosen one loses his serenity and turns back, then the beautiful girl becomes a horrible snake and the young suitor is cursed.
While the offer is tempting: a beautiful girl and an endless fortune, who is a heartthrob with steel temper who can perform this feat? Apparently the conditions are precarious, because Guanajuato, the State that we know today, has more than four centuries of life and there has been no one who meets the requirements to undo the spell. A reminder to strive for purity and resolve - even throughout 400 years of history.
Closing Notes:
In reading these stories you’ve grown closer to understanding our passion for our culture, history, and origins. We impart our love into everything we do, from helping others to crafting exceptionable pieces of luxury leather goods. The history and passion of our homeland - México, exists in everyone who makes J.L. Rocha Possible and every unique piece we create. Please like, share, and comment to show your support.
-Thank You / Gracias