Shape Changes, Fear Does Not: The Mythical Monster Coco

Coco is also known in folklore as Cuco, Coca, Cuca, Cucuy. It is a mythical dragon or a ghost monster which is said to appear in many different shapes and forms.

There is no description of the beast which could be applied to all the places where it appears. The origins of Coco are in Portugal and Spanish Galicia, where it is called Coco, and appears as a monster with a pumpkin head, two eyes, and a mouth. In medieval times in the same area, it transformed into a female dragon, which used to take part in different celebrations. In Portugal it has remained popular until today.

The Fight of Saint George and Santa Coca

In the municipality of Monção, near the border with Spanish Galicia, Coco is known as the dragon who fought with Saint George. The feast called Corpus Christi is celebrated on Holy Thursday, and it includes a fight between George and Santa Coca (Coco). If Coco scares Saint George’s horse and defeats him, it is a prognosis for a bad year for the crops. If the horse doesn't react to Coco and Saint George is the winner of the fight by cutting off one of the Coco's ears and her tongue, the crops will be good.

“Festa da Coca” during the Corpus Christi celebration, in Monção, Portugal. (Public Domain)