Devil’s waters

There used to be a mysterious pond where present-day Parque Scalabrini Ortíz is located.

In the early 20th century, where today stands Parque Scalabrini Ortíz, there was a little 10-meter-long oval-shaped pond. Legend has it that every winter night, a hunched man came limping and giving guttural growls at midnight.  He would plunge into the water and remain there. The water would begin to boil, and there would be whirlpools, waves and smoke. Afterwards, he would come out with dried clothes and an arrogant manner, singing as he left the place. In their homes, frightened neighbors would peek at him and they were certain that it was the devil himself. From that legend, the pond got its name:  “Laguna de Mandinga” (the Devil’s pond)