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"Lucas Hallao" was the shared nickname of two children who were murdered in San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina. They are considered folk saints. Both are sometimes called the "Lucas Brothers".
Case[]
Both brothers were found dead on 18 October 1943 in Avellaneda Park, west of San Miguel de Tucumán. They were stabbed to death. The bodies were mutilated and burned. It is believed that they were around 5 years old.
They were nicknamed "Lucas" because they were found on St. Luke's Day (Spanish: Día de San Lucas). They became known as "Hallao", a mispronunciation of the Spanish word "Hallado" (found), a common nickname for people whose names are unknown. Although the murders were never solved, popular belief holds that they were killed by their mother when she argued with her husband.
The main plaque on the tomb, instead of a name, reads: "Mother! Why did you deprive us of your love and the right to live? The fruits of a feigned and unhealthy love were eliminated by the unworthy womb that gave life to the two beautiful, golden-haired siblings who, on the night of Saint Luke, were collected like vulgar waste thrown from outside. Remembered by the staff of this necropolis."
Both have been considered unofficial saints. Due to the legend of their background, it is tradition for pilgrims to leave letters with messages insulting the mother of both.
They are buried in the North Cemetery next to Pedrito Hallao.
Sources[]
- El Tucumano (Spanish)