Legend of The Haunted Watermelon Vine

In Manatí, Atlántico, there is a curious tale known as the legend of La Mata de Patilla (The Haunted Watermelon Vine). According to the story, it used to attack the townspeople when they walked down the streets where it made its appearances.

The legend says that many years ago, a mata de patilla began to appear in the streets of Manatí late at night. This plant would attack any locals who dared to cross its path where it lay blocking the way. The vine would move and entangle anyone who walked by, actively trying to harm them.

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It is said that the mata de patilla was the work of witches. They would transform themselves to block the people of Manatí from reaching places where the witches were casting hexes or performing witchcraft.

One day, a man who got entangled in the mata de patilla began to struggle and kick in great desperation. In the midst of this fight, he started kicking some small watermelons that were growing rapidly on the vine. He kept kicking until he burst one of them open. When he did, the plant loosened its grip, allowing him to break free and escape.

It is also said that the day after this happened, a poor woman woke up with severe aches and bruises all over her body. Because of this, people began to say that she was the witch who turned into the mata de patilla.

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Origin of the Legend

The legend originates in the municipality of Manatí, Atlántico, located in the Colombian Caribbean. It is based on the traditional belief that witches possess the power to transform themselves into animals and plants.

Is La Mata de Patilla a Myth or a Legend?

The story of the mata de patilla from Manatí is considered a legend because it is set in a real geographical and temporal space. Furthermore, the elements and characters of the tale provide a fairly realistic depiction of the events, leading people to assume they actually occurred, even if the fantastic elements of the story cannot be easily proven.