Cuca is an important figure in Brazilian folklore
Cuca is an important figure in Brazilian folklore, known as a witch who can take the form of an old woman or a sorceress with the head of an alligator. She lives in dark places, like swamps or rivers, and comes out at night to capture children who don't obey their parents or misbehave. The legend of Cuca was popularized in Brazil by the book "O Saci" by Monteiro Lobato, where Cuca is described as a witch with frightening characteristics. In his book "Geografia dos Mitos Brasileiros", Luís da Câmara Cascudo (1898-1986) says that Cuca is a myth of Portuguese origin related to Santa Coca, a figure who appeared in processions in the province of Minho, in Portugal... Did you know?