Paranormal Pajama Party

The Ciguapa: Danger in the Dominican Republic

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Tonight’s special guest is the ciguapa, a legendary creature from Dominican Republic folklore.

At first glance, the ciguapa may seem like just another fantastical being, with her backward-facing feet, golden or blue skin, and mesmerising black eyes. But a closer examination reveals layers of meaning deeply intertwined with the history of the Dominican Republic and its diverse people.

This episode of Paranormal Pajama Party traces the backwards footsteps of the ciguapa through the historical context of colonialism and nationalism that’s shaped her narrative.

Key moments

• 0:58: Lost in El Cibao
• 5:31: Meet the ciguapa
• 8:54: Intersectional feminism
• 10:31: Hispaniola's history
• 13:41: Inventing the ciguapa
• 18:52: Zombies, mermaids, and maroons
• 22:37: The modern-day ciguapa

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