#TurismoMacabro: The Devil's Alley

By: Casandra Vicario. Image: Flickriver.

Today we head to the Benito Juárez borough, to Av. Río Mixcoac and Campana, a place where many claim that the devil himself makes an appearance: The Devil's Alley.

I dare say, without fear of being wrong, that there isn't a city or state in Mexico that doesn't have its own Devil's Alley, but the one we have in Mexico City is without a doubt a very interesting one.

Like any proper alley, it isn't very wide, few people can find it easily, and it's surrounded by tall walls that used to be tall, sinister trees.

The story behind this place tells of an anonymous man who claimed to have no fear of it, even though it was said the devil would appear to him there; he ventured to cross the alley late at night, and right in the middle, he saw a shadow in one of the trees, laughing in a rather, rather sinister way.

Frightened, the man lost what courage he had left and ran to avoid being attacked by Lucifer.

The legend spread, and it's said that some students from the nearby school who have looked out the window have had the misfortune of running into the demon and meeting a dramatic, tragic end.

It's a good story to pass the time, and perhaps a good reason to work up the courage with some friends and calmly cross this narrow alley, with all your senses sharpened so as not to miss a single detail of what might happen there.

Careful, though—it's not the best place to go grab a few beers, because it's certain the devil won't show up, but something much worse: the police.