Legend of the Giant Snake of the Street of the Sierpe

The legend of the giant snake of the Street of the Sierpe is one of the most famous legends of Cartagena de Indias. It recounts the strange events that took place at night on the Street of the Sierpe in the Getsemaní neighborhood, where a giant snake could be heard roaming through the city.

According to the legend, the residents of the Street of the Sierpe often heard a peculiar noise late at night. It sounded like something large dragging itself across the ground, accompanied by the shaking of a snake’s rattles.

(Read also: Legend of the Candileja (The Fiery Apparition))

No one could explain what they were hearing, as they simply lacked the courage to look out into the street and discover the nature of that noise.

It was then, in 1608, that the city’s mayor, Don Antonio de Viloria, gathered his courage and stood guard in the street himself. Finally, one night, he was able to unravel the mystery. Suddenly, out of nowhere, a massive snake appeared. It was incredibly menacing, with glowing, phosphorescent eyes. It writhed and loudly shook the large rattles on its tail.

The mayor, who was no amateur when it came to facing evil spirits, traced magical figures in the air. He had learned this spell during his time on the island of Santo Domingo.

(Read also: Legend of The Frightened Long-Haired Woman)

This spell took effect immediately. The supposed snake began to writhe and transform into what it truly was: an ordinary woman, a witch. Seeing herself cornered by the mayor, the witch begged for forgiveness and pleaded for mercy. However, she was imprisoned without pity. She remained locked up until 1614, when the Holy Tribunal of the Inquisition sentenced her to two hundred lashes and permanent exile, as the legend goes.