The Aluxes of Yucatán
Maya farmers in Yucatán say tiny guardians called aluxes watch over fields, and build small houses for them to keep them happy.
What was reported
In Maya folklore, aluxes are small, child-sized beings that live in the forest and fields of the Yucatán Peninsula. They can be helpful, guarding crops and bringing rain, but play tricks or cause trouble if they are not respected.
Farmers traditionally build a small house for the aluxes in a corner of their fields and leave offerings of food and drink. Stories say building work goes wrong when aluxes are ignored.
Explanations offered
Aluxes are figures of folklore that remain an important part of Maya culture. Offerings to them are still made today, including, some say, at the start of large construction projects in the region.
- When
- Told for generations
- Where
- Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
- Witnesses
- Maya communities
- Status
- Legend
Famous cases are real, widely reported events. Each file sets out what witnesses said and the explanations that have been offered, without taking a side.