Legends of my country: The legend "El Machera"

I became aware of this legend when I studied at the university in the city of Merida, Merida state, in Venezuela. The protagonist of this legend is called "Luis Enrique Cerrada Molina" a boy who was considered to be the terror of the police forces during his time and was also known as the "Robin Hood" of the neighborhood Santanita.

This thief used to steal from large stores, pharmacies, shopping centers... and then distribute the stolen items among the poor of his neighborhood. I heard people say that during "Carnaval" he would take a shopping cart to his neighborhood, filled with cotton candy and free popcorn for children, and liquor for the adults, all of this acquired with the stolen money.

Machera was the oldest of three brothers in a very humble family but he was always characterized by having a very rebellious behavior and among his friends they considered him as "muy macho", hence the name "Machera"

For the police force, this young man was a fearsome thief, since he did not mind shootings with all the policemen who faced him. Every time there were clashes there were many shots fired, injuries and even deaths.

It's said that his revolver had magical powers and is still kept in the police station in the city of Merida.

This boy died at the age of 21 in a great confrontation where he was riddled with more than 180 bullets! It's said that the young Machera, even with so many bullets in his body, cried for having been knocked down.

After his death he became a legend and since then many miracles have been attributed to him. The walls, floors and ceilings of his tomb are full of plaques with the thanks received for his miracles and he's also the favorite of the students of Merida. On many occasions, you can see students sitting very close to their graves before important exams, because of their faith in Machera.

If you visit Merida you can ask where is the "Cemetery of the Centre of Merida City", where you will find the tomb of El Machera.