THE 5 MOST POPULAR LEGENDS OF PIURA - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2024

The legends of Piura are the result of the mixture of aboriginal myths with Christian stories. With time and social transformations, it is unlikely that they will continue as they were originally conceived.

However, even with the modifications they have undergone, these legends are a good source of information; Understanding them allows you to have a clearer idea of ​​who the original inhabitants of Piura were.

Narihuala town, scene of a Piura legend

Understanding the origins of a town is an excellent tool to understand it. This is why folkloric manifestations that help to this end are appreciated.

You may also be interested in the traditions of Piura.

The 5 main legends of Piura

1- The white dune

This great dune is located about 20 km from Sechura. Legend has it that some daring had the courage to upload it without the necessary permission.

Feeling desecrated, the dune swallowed the intrepid. From this moment the dune is enchanted, and everyone who climbs will be lost.

It is said that at the time of Easter the surroundings of the dune are filled with ghosts and souls in pain.

Apparently in the center of the dune there is gold and jewels in abundance. But looking for them is a sterile endeavor, since once you enter there there is no possibility of leaving.

2- The town of Narihualá

Narihualá is a small town that in pre-Columbian times was inhabited by numerous tribes.

They were very rich tribes in gold and precious stones, and they used these elements to build temples and objects dedicated to their deities.

Legend has it that when it was learned of the arrival of Francisco Pizarro and the conquerors, the town buried itself deeply with its riches; they could not accept that the invaders would appropriate these.

This is why it is said that there are very valuable treasures buried in the town. The villagers say that on Good Friday an Indian appears walking the streets ringing a small bell that makes a lot of noise.

The legend says that this is the sign that gives authorization to unearth the treasures.

3-

This legend is strong in the coastal areas of the region. Apparently, the blowout zone is a specific area in which ships inevitably ran aground or got lost.

This is a kind of Bermuda triangle for the inhabitants of the Piura coast.

4- Yasila beach

There are two legends to explain the origin of the name of this beach, both go back to the original aboriginal tribes.

The most popular tells that a respected family of Indians was expelled from their tribe. Chief Yucay was envious of the eldest son of the family, named Huayna, because he was loved and respected. This was the reason for the expulsion.

After much traveling, Huayna and her family reached a lonely but peaceful beach. They decided to settle there and build their homes.

But shortly after, another tribe of Indians invaded the beach and made them flee in small boats to the sea. From the boat they shouted "Yasila" over and over again, singing hymns to the Sun.

After a while they knew there was no hope and they surrendered to their destiny. But the beach was named Yasila in her honor. It is said that the cries of the family mixed with the waves of the sea can still be heard.

5- The mysterious boat

According to this legend, many years ago all the fishermen who dared to go out to sea at Easter at night, near Cabo Blanco, disappeared.

The boat sometimes returned but empty, and nothing was heard of the men again.

Also on these dates a small ship appeared, very illuminated and resplendent, which disappeared into the dark sea.

On one occasion, the widow of a missing fisherman was strolling on the beach at night, longing for her husband.

Then the luminous boat appeared in front of her and from this came a voice that demanded the sacrifice of an unbaptized baby.

He told the woman that she had until the next day, the day of San Juan, to fulfill her demand. If he didn't, all the men who went fishing would disappear.

Terrified, the woman brought the news to the town. Another woman, whose newborn daughter was evicted, took up the sacrifice.

Before midnight she threw her baby into the sea, fulfilling the request made. With this sacrifice the little boat stopped tormenting the fishermen.

References

1. Tales and legends of Piura. (2015) cuentosyleyendasdepiura.blogspot.com
2. Myths and legends of Piura. (2015) mitosyleyendaspiuranas.blogspot.com
3. Legends of Piura. (2016) leyendasdepiura.blogspot.com
4. Popular demonstrations in lower Piura. Chapoñán Cajissol, L. (1935)
5. Peruvian myths, legends and stories. Arguedas, JM and Izquierdo Ríos, F.