Issue #16
“The Cucuy Issue”

When Kelsee and I were talking about what to do for the cover of this month’s issue, we kept getting hung up on the dark nature of the current times. Night Terror Magazine is, in many ways, a political publication. What ideas do we want out there that not only hold weight amid the devastation sweeping through Latino communities but also make a bold statement?

In many Latin American cultures, the monarch butterfly represents transformation and messages from ancestors. They are a spiritual embodiment of the souls who have departed, bringing together the living and the dead. The monarchs’ incredible voyage from Canada and the U.S. to Mexico often coincides with Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a time of remembrance and celebration. The monarch has also become a symbol for the right of all living beings to move freely. Like the butterfly, human beings cross borders in search of safer habitats, and because of this, the monarch has become a symbol of support for the migrant community in Latin America.

When Kelsee’s partner, a Mexican-American and son of immigrants, suggested that we highlight joy over grief, Kelsee created this month’s moving cover with an image of the beloved monarch, representing the celebration of life amid grief and hardship. However, she did so while also featuring the imagery of La Lechuza as a vision of power. La Lechuza refers to the Mexican folklore of a witch who can transform into a barn owl. She seeks revenge on those who’ve wronged her and those who commit misdeeds. In the cover image, the figure below the monarch and owls conjures strength from both to empower them. 

Latino Heritage Month lands heavy this year. We continually watch communities fight for safety and basic human rights. Horror exists in many forms; violence isn’t always loud. It is a shape-shifting, ongoing threat, often taking the form of neglect, silence, and dehumanizing headlines.

In the midst of all this turmoil, there is tremendous power in honoring traditions and the cultural pride of these communities. The art of resilience shows up in many ways, including sharing stories and experiences as they are intended to be told. In this month’s issue of Night Terror Magazine, our guests share what being Latino means to them and the many emotions they carry through their artistic processes – all through the lens of the heritage that has shaped them into the incredible creators they are.

We are honored to be a home for these contributions and hope you’ll join us not only in celebrating Latino Heritage Month but also in uplifting these communities, especially in a tumultuous time that requires our attention and immediate action.

Our love always!
Elli Wade