There is no denying that every Mexican has heard the song “La llorona” performed by the famous singer Chavela Vargas and more recently heard in the hit film Coco, but very few know the true story behind the great musical hit and yes… SPOILER ALERT, it’s a pretty sad story. And no, it’s not really related to the scary story of the Weeping Woman.
With the Day of the Dead holiday just around the corner, Mexican songs and traditions are starting to be heard and seen everywhere, and “La llorona” is one of the most popular, internationally recognized songs with a sad legend behind it.
“La Llorona,” the Sad Legend of a Tragic Love
Let’s start by remembering that although “La llorona” is very successful, to this day it is unknown who its original author is, because according to some research, it dates back to pre-Hispanic times, some say it was written specifically by someone originally from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca.
The most popular story behind “La llorona” dates back to times before the Mexican Revolution, when a young man attended a party in Juchitán, Oaxaca, and there in the distance, coming out of the church, he saw a beautiful young woman who made him fall in love instantly.
Without hesitation, the young man went to meet the girl’s parents, strictly asking for her hand in marriage. Once married, between 1911 and 1912, the young man received the news that he had to go to the Mexican Revolution. At his farewell, his wife would not stop crying, earning the nickname of “La llorona” (the weeping woman).
Unfortunately, it is said that the young man died in combat, but before, as he kept remembering his weeping wife when he left to war, he sent her a letter, which contained a piece of the actual lyrics of the song and where he referred to his beloved as “llorona”, the title of the song.
Did you know that… “La llorona” has about 500 versions? Yes! There are many, and many singers who have interpreted it and in the process added pieces or words to the song, therefore many different versions are known within towns or cities in Mexico.
Anyway… even if we don’t know who the original author is, what its left clear is that “La llorona” is a historical Mexican song and a musical jewel, and Chavela Vargas’ version is the most acclaimed.
This story was originally published in Spanish by Mariana Martell in Cultura Colectiva.
