Description

Overview:

El chupacabra is an urban legend sourced from Puerto Rico that has been rumored to roam the island since the 1970s. But upon further inspection of these legends, where does el chupacabra actually come from? When was he first conceived in the Puerto Rican cultural imaginary? This audio short examines the lore of el chupacabra and interprets its symbolism amidst a fraught historical narrative.

Written & edited by May Santiago
Audio recordings & sound design by May Santiago

Opening audio is “Goatsucker” by The Killers, courtesy of Gordy, The Victims Fanclub & Island Records.
Bomba audio in Loíza, Puerto Rico from April 27, 2021 courtesy of Taino Vision LLC.
Archival audio of Madelyne Tolentino’s interview with Carmen Jovet courtesy of Borinken TV.

Subject:

U.S. History, World History, Anthropology, Cultural Geography, Ethnic Studies

Level:

High School, Community College / Lower Division, College / Upper Division, Adult Education

Material Type:

Lecture, Reading

Author:

May Santiago

Provider:

The Pedagogy Lab

Provider Set:

2023 Pedagogy Fellowship

Date Added:

07/17/2023