The legend of El Coco has its roots in numerous Spanish-speaking countries. Millions of children across the globe encounter the tale of El Coco in their bedtime stories. What are the mysteries surrounding the El Coco legend? And what exactly do they have to do with an evil coconut?

An Evil Coconut

El Coco derives its name from the Spanish word for coconut El Coco is described as having a brown, hairy face that evokes the eerie image of a frightening coconut. This mythical bogeyman enters children’s bedrooms if they fail to sleep soundly or behave properly.

A Cautionary Tale for Kids

Spanish-speaking parents caution their children that El Coco lurks on neighborhood rooftops, searching for those who refuse to go to bed on time or exhibit disobedient behavior. Should a child become a target of El Coco, the creature may emerge from under the bed or inside a cupboard to whisk them away.

While this tale may sound unsettling, it instills good behavior, obedience to parents, and caution around strangers. These essential teachings are vital for children as they grow, shaping them into responsible and capable adults.

A Haunting Rhyme

As children lay in their beds, a parent will recite the El Coco rhyme to send them off to sleep. 

Duérmete niño
Duérmete ya
Que viene el coco
Y te llevará.
Duérmete niño
Duérmete ya
Que viene el coco
Y te comerá.

Go to sleep child
Sleep now
The coco is coming
And it will take you.
Go to sleep child
Sleep now
The coco is coming
And it will eat you.

Quite the pleasant tale to tell your kids. This song reinforces the message by warning the child that failing to go to sleep will summon El Coco, who will make them disappear.

The Legend Works

Picture yourself in a dimly lit home, shrouded in darkness with no street lights outside. The family gathers around the fire, sharing tales of a mysterious bogeyman. Whether you are a child or an adult, listening to the legend of El Coco, and then hearing the wind whistle through the trees or an animal screech, would undoubtedly be sufficient to instill a sense of caution and encourage well-behaved behavior, steering clear of any potential encounter with the monster!

Tim Kane