Doesn't Isla de las Munecas, translated to Island of the Dolls, sound cute and inviting? Nothing could be further from its reality.
On this eerily quiet island in Mexico's ancient Xochimilco district, you'll find this strange and spooky attraction. The island is home to hundreds of mutilated dolls which appear menacing even in bright daylight. It remains a mystery where they originated from, but are said to be possessed by a little girl who drowned in the area. The piercing doll eyes seem to follow you around, staring right into your soul and instilling dread in locals and visitors.
Mexicans do not generally fear the deceased, as one of their most iconic celebrations — Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) — proves. During this time, families celebrate by donning costumes, visiting the graves of their loved ones and holding parades in honour of the dead. This festival happens all over Mexico but is most well known in Oaxaca. Interestingly, Mexico is said to have originated the pumpkin as a symbol of Halloween, originally inspired by Day of the Dead observances.