Paranormal Pajama Party

The Island of the Dolls: Mexico City's Haunted Hoard

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Episode notes

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Get ready to uncover the chilling mysteries surrounding the infamous Island of the Dolls.

In this episode, we delve into the eerie tale of Don Julián Santana Barrera and his encounter with the spirit of a drowned young girl in the canals of Mexico City’s Xochimilco district.

But why are dolls so inherently creepy? It's more than their lifelike appearance; it's the uncanny feeling they evoke, that unsettling mix of familiar and unfamiliar.

And beneath the surface, there's a deeper exploration of gender dynamics. Dolls, traditionally marketed to girls, reinforce societal norms and expectations from a young age. There’s nothing scarier than that.

Don't miss this bone-chilling journey into the heart of Mexico's notorious paranormal hotspot.

Key moments

  • 0:00 – Content warning
  • 1:00 – Travel to the Island of the Dolls
  • 4:04 – Don Julián and the drowned girl
  • 10:29 – Why dolls are creepy – and what that means
  • 17:59 – Dolls and other gendered toys

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