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AfrikaansAlbanianArabicArmenianAzerbaijaniBasqueBelarusianBengaliBosnianBulgarianCatalanChinese (Simplified)CzechDanishDutchEstonianFilipinoFinnishGalicianGeorgianGermanGreekGujaratiHaitian CreoleHausaHawaiianHebrewHindiHmongHungarianIcelandicIgboIndonesianIrishItalianJapaneseJavaneseKannadaKazakhKhmerKoreanKurdish (Kurmanji)KyrgyzLaoLatinLatvianLithuanianLuxembourgishMacedonianMalagasyMalayMalayalamMalteseMaoriMarathiMongolianMyanmar (Burmese)NepaliNorwegianPashtoPersianPolishPunjabiRomanianSamoanScottish GaelicSerbianSesothoShonaSindhiSinhalaSlovakSlovenianSomaliSudaneseSwedishTajikTamilTeluguThaiTurkishUkrainianUrduUzbekVietnameseWelshXhosaYiddishYorubaZulu
The legend of the alligator man is one of the most deeply rooted stories in the folklore tradition of the Colombian Caribbean region. According to the tale, a man known for his habit of spying on women while they bathed in the river made a pact with a sorcerer to transform into an alligator and go unnoticed. However, since he could not fully reverse his transformation, he remained trapped with a human head and an alligator's body, wandering through the region's rivers. This legend has been passed down from generation to generation and remains alive in popular imagination.
Monument to the Legend of the Alligator: A Tribute to Tradition
The Monument to the Legend of the Alligator stands as a tribute to this popular tale and is part of the cultural heritage of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. Located in the municipality of Plato, Magdalena, this monument seeks to preserve and celebrate the story of the alligator man, becoming an important tourist attraction for those visiting the region. The sculpture represents a half-human, half-alligator figure, symbolizing the duality of the legend.
Cultural and Folkloric Significance of the Legend
The legend of the alligator man is not just a popular tale but also a manifestation of the folklore and cultural identity of the Caribbean coast. This story has been a source of inspiration for songs, dances, and festivities that reflect the region’s rich oral tradition. In events such as the Barranquilla Carnival, the alligator man comes to life in parades and performances, highlighting the importance of the legend in Colombian culture.
How to Get to the Monument: A Visit to the Colombian Caribbean
The Monument to the Legend of the Alligator is located in Plato, Magdalena, a city in Colombia’s Caribbean region. To get there, you can take a bus from nearby cities such as Santa Marta or Barranquilla. While visiting the monument, travelers can also explore the beautiful natural surroundings of the region and enjoy other cultural and tourist activities that the Caribbean coast offers.
The Legacy of the Legend in Dance and Folklore
Beyond the monument, the legend of the alligator man has left a significant legacy in Colombian dance and folklore. In various festivities, this story is portrayed through dances and costumes that blend elements of both the alligator and the human. The dance, known for its fluid movements and colorful costumes, celebrates the region’s tradition and culture and remains one of the most representative symbols of the Colombian Caribbean.
The Monument to the Legend of the Alligator is not just a tourist attraction but also a symbol of the folklore and tradition of Colombia’s Caribbean coast. This story remains alive in people's hearts, and the monument is a way to pay tribute to a tale that has transcended generations. If you visit the region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover this legend and its cultural impact.
What do our visitors say?
The imagination and creativity in the design of this house defies belief. Amongst the most amazing I have seen in half a century of travelling. The 10'000 COP entrance fee is trivial for the eye-feast you get.
"If you want to spend sometime in a very nice sunny place of the city , this most be the spot. On Sundays there is always live music and some kind of show . There's also a long sidewalk , you can walk while enjoying the brise, the sun and the spectacular view to the Magdalena river. It is usually crowded, but the locals are happy, funny and very friendy.
If you go to Bquilla pass by El Malecon..., a really nice experience!"
This was a wonderful tour to go on. We really ended up learning how much effort and practice goes into a cup of coffee. There was a translator so we were able to fully understand everything, and the people who led the tour were so kind. Definitely worth going to see!
You can go up with the cable car and see by yourself how large Bogota is. I recommend you to do this.
Lots of different animals. Loved the zebras. Lots of educational things for kids. Loved the aquarium and all reptiles.
More activities in Ciénaga
Each of the country's regions offers a different rhythm so you can do what you like most. With adventure tourism, numerous cultural activities and excellent gastronomy, we have everything to make your trip an unforgettable experience.
Córdoba Hot Springs
The Córdoba Hot Springs in Ciénaga are a good choice for visitors seeking relaxation and wellbeing.
