CubaPLUS Magazine

Cuban rural folklore, so rich in myths of apparitions, entities or talking animals, has in the figure of the Güijes -also called chichiricús or jigües in some areas- perhaps the most popular magical creatures, still mentioned in a scientific-technical era like the one we live in, at the pace of constant modern innovations.

These mythological beings are cousins of the goblins, gnomes of other cultures, and like them, they are slippery and mischievous. Some scholars affirm that the Güijes of Cuba are the goblins that identify us within the characteristics of the Caribbean culture, also full of equivalent fabulous beings. According to the numerous legends woven around their fleeting appearances, they are graphically represented or can be seen as young black men with grotesque features and bulging eyes.

Many times they cause fear but there are no known really evil acts carried out on human beings who have only managed to spot them. In addition, they have never allowed themselves to be captured, because their races are the fastest and their jumps are marvelous.

On dark nights, the intricate mountains, preferably on the banks of rivers, streams and dams, are moments and places preferred by these goblins for their appearances,as they sleep in very deep pools. Living with such beliefs for so long has generally turned them into sympathetic beings, instead of beings that generate terror, which is why they star in children's stories, cartoons, puppet plays, poems and cheerful songs.

Although they are mentioned throughout the Island’s territory, it is in the area of the northern central province of Villa Clara where there is a greater wealth of legends about Güijes, which say that they choose to appear in very difficult times and associated with bad omens, luck or misfortune.

As everywhere, there are people who firmly believe in their real existence and claim to have seen them. They are less and less, but there are those who, needing to travel alone through wild remote places, cross themselves so as not to run into the mischievous and unpleasant little characters.

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! Throw them into the air, just in case. It is better to prevent so as not to have to run.