Dolls. Hundreds of dolls. Their soulless eyes follow you here on the Island of the Dolls.
This small island is south of Mexico City. It lies among Xochimilco’s canals. The Island of the Dolls was never meant to be a tourist destination. The island is dedicated to a girl’s lost soul. She met her fate too soon under strange circumstances.
The area has thousands of people. But this small island is home to hundreds of terrifying dolls. Their severed limbs and decapitated heads adorn trees. Their blank eyes stare into nothing. The dolls seem threatening even in broad daylight. They are particularly disturbing in the dark.
Legend says a girl drowned here years ago. It happened in mysterious circumstances. The dolls are possessed by her spirit. Some say the dolls move their heads and arms. Some even say they open their eyes. Witnesses claim they have heard the dolls whispering. Others near the island say the dolls lured them to come ashore.
Don Julian Santana Barrera was the island’s caretaker. Julian found a little girl. She had drowned in mysterious circumstances. He was unable to save her. Shortly after, Julian saw a doll floating in the canal. Most probably the doll belonged to the girl. Julian picked it up. He hung it in a tree. This showed respect and supported the girl’s spirit. Some even question the girl’s existence. Reports say Julian made up the story in his solitude.
Julian was haunted by the girl’s spirit. He hung more dolls to please her. He soon thought the dolls were possessed. They held the spirits of dead girls. He collected creepy dolls and hung them all over the island. Those close to him said Julian was driven by an unseen force. He was very affected by his failure to save the girl.
Julian collected dolls for 50 years. Then, he was found dead. He drowned in the same spot as the girl. Many believe Julian joined the other spirits of the island. Locals believe the Island of the Dolls is charmed.
Since Julian’s death in 2001, the island has become a tourist attraction. Visitors bring even more dolls. The island has been featured in articles and TV shows. Don Julian’s actions were innocent and admirable. But they created a nightmarish destination.
Visitors report spooky events on the Island of the Dolls. Some see the dolls’ heads turn. The dolls seem to follow them. Others hear whispers and footsteps. Some even hear wails echoing around the island.
Visitors place offerings around the dolls. They hope for miracles and blessings. Some change the dolls’ clothes. They maintain the island as a form of worship. The Island of the Dolls is a creepy place. Soulless eyes will follow you. These eyes belong to dolls hanging in a floating garden.