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Scary Stories About Dolls: Haunted Island Dolls

Updated on May 21, 2014
Scary Doll Stories Don't Get Much Better Than An Image Like This!
Scary Doll Stories Don't Get Much Better Than An Image Like This! | Source

Have You Ever Been Spooked by Scary Stories About Dolls That Were True? How About These Haunted Dolls?

There are many different scary stories about dolls, and the Haunted Island Dolls are very close to the top of the popularity list. Dolls have been scaring people in legends, campfire stories, and tall tales for centuries. I'm sure there are a few dolls or figurines that have given you the heebie jeebies, whether they were missing arms and legs, half of their hair, or eyeballs. Scary stories about dolls are incredibly popular around Halloween time, as kids and adults alike love to entertain one another with terrifying and chill bump raising stories.

We are going to introduce you to the Haunted Island Dolls in this installment of my odd, strange, and interesting hub lineup. I will include some links to my other odd hubs towards the end for the delight of your curiosity! The Haunted Island Dolls are definitely not toys to mess with according to many, and we are going to dive deep into this intriguing story. Before you ask- YES! This island is real!

Where Is Isla De Las Munecas, the Haunted Island of Dolls?

A
Isla de las Muñecas, Haunted Island of Dolls:
La Isla de las Muñecas, Xochimilco, Mexico City, Federal District, Mexico

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Haunted Island Dolls: What Is It?

This strange doll wonderland is located in Isla de las Muñecas, Mexico City- in the country of Mexico. It is a tiny island within the network of canals that wind through Xochimico. It was never meant to be a tourist hotspot, but it has become one due to its spine-chilling décor. The many weathered dolls that populate the island have piqued the interest of millions of people from across the world. While it is incredibly disturbing for most, it arouses a sense of curiosity that cannot be ignored- especially when it is believed that this island is haunted. The haunted island dolls have picked up incredible momentum in the realm of odd and scary tourism.

This island was originally outfitted with the dolls by a single man. It was never meant to grab the attention of others- instead, this man collected and hung the dolls from the trees as an act of mourning. He continuously collected dolls throughout his lifetime to place on this island. As you can see within the pictures that accompany this hub, he eventually collected hundreds of dolls for this seemingly dark and disturbing memorial to a loved one. How is this for some scary stories about dolls?

Source

Why Were the Dolls Collected on Isla de las Munecas?

At one time, Don Julian Santana Barrera had began collecting the dolls on the island, building up a mysterious and mesmerizing collection of dolls on the island. After a while, it became apparent that the dolls were supposedly haunted. After all- it is hard to fathom why an adult man would collect girls' toys and put them on display.

The haunted island dolls were found in various places by Barrera; usually they were obtained for free. They were found in the trash, in the river, or abandoned in the outdoors. Some dolls were severely damaged (hence why they were trashed), while others were in great shape and most likely lost by a little girl. Regardless of the doll's condition, it would be put on display on the island by Barrera.

The island is more of a dedication to a little girl, who Barrera collected the dolls for. He was forever haunted by his inability to save the girl; and she had passed away without his help. For the rest of his life he would continue to collect these dolls and place them on display as gifts to the spirit of the girl. He believed it was the only way to keep her spirit happy, and to keep bad things from happening on the island. Now, scary stories about dolls have become popular within the area, as they have long been believed to be haunted.

NOTE: This is not the girl who is behind the haunted island dolls.
NOTE: This is not the girl who is behind the haunted island dolls. | Source

What Happened to the Little Girl?

As you are probably very intrigued right now, especially as to the fate of the little girl, I will now share the spooky details behind the haunted island dolls.

This poor girl (name withheld) was taken way too early in life by the canals that surround the island. Don, the man who had collected the dolls in honor of this girl, could not save her as she struggled to stay above water. She eventually drowned in the water, leaving Don at a loss. Later, he had found a doll resting on the surface of the water, which he took believing that it may have been hers. This was the beginning of his collection.

Perhaps he believed that he could entertain the spirit of the girl and grant her company with all of the dolls; but by no means did he intend to cause this tragic memorial to become a world famous destination for ghost hunters. Now, people from across the world attempt to book visits to view the haunted island dolls to see for themselves as to whether or not this place is actually haunted.

Video: True Ghost Stories: Island of the Dolls

Source

Known Hauntings and Experiences Surrounding the Haunted Island Dolls

While there are various legends and tales that surround this island and its dark history, I am fairly sure that I have provided you with the most accurate information above. Some legends involve Barrera's finding of the girl's body, then the dolls being a sort of gift to keep the "evil" spirit at bay. Others tend to be much more extravagant and hyped, in order to gain attention. Now, I will share with you some experiences that cause many to believe the island is haunted. I cannot say how true they are, or that I have experienced myself. Perhaps you can one day visit this island and tell me about your own experiences!

For the most part, hauntings on this island consist mainly of whispers and voices coming from the dolls; it is also believed that the dolls will move. While it may simply be considered crazy, and unlikely- what if it really does happen? I am fairly certain many of you would find bricks in your jeans should you be stuck on this island at night alone, only to hear voices or to see heads turning. Seeing this for myself would keep me from ever questioning the existence of the spiritual realm again, that is for sure.

In some legends, the spirit of the girl is believed to be evil and possess the dolls that dot this island. The haunted island dolls would come to life, and watch visitors. Some superstitious tales suggest that bad things happen to visitors who fail to bring a doll as a gift to stay on the island.

Would You Be Willing To Visit This Island?

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Some of the Dolls That Call This Island Home

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The haunted island dolls are located in Mexico, and have been around for over 50 years. The dolls are possessed- supposedly by a little girl who lost her life in the canals surrounding the Island.Some of the real haunted island dolls from Isla De Las Munecas, in Xochimilco, Mexico.
The haunted island dolls are located in Mexico, and have been around for over 50 years. The dolls are possessed- supposedly by a little girl who lost her life in the canals surrounding the Island.
The haunted island dolls are located in Mexico, and have been around for over 50 years. The dolls are possessed- supposedly by a little girl who lost her life in the canals surrounding the Island.
Some of the real haunted island dolls from Isla De Las Munecas, in Xochimilco, Mexico.
Some of the real haunted island dolls from Isla De Las Munecas, in Xochimilco, Mexico. | Source
This is a photo of Don Julian Santana Barrera, with his haunted island dolls chilling out in the background.
This is a photo of Don Julian Santana Barrera, with his haunted island dolls chilling out in the background. | Source

Whatever Happened to Don?

There are a few different stories that are floating around regarding Don Julian Santana Barrera's fate. Some say that he drowned in the canals near where the young girl drowned several decades before. Others say that he simply died of organ failure, after having lived to a ripe old age. While both are very likely, it seems as if drowning in the canals is the most widely told fate of Don Julian Santana Barrera. After his passing, his family took over the island as caretakers, and have offered tours to curious tourists. The photo to the left is an actual photo of the man who brought this island to life with hundreds of creepy dolls, giving people across the world one more unnerving destination to add to their travel lists.

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