Spooked locals have threatened to demolish a giant Poseidon statue after blaming it for Hurricane Beryl.
The fibreglass likeness of the Greek god of storms was erected at a beach just two months ago in a bid to attract tourism.
But superstitious locals believe the trident-bearing deity is responsible for the adverse weather of late.
READ MORE: Moment ambulance crashes into two tourists shopping for souvenirs
- Advertisement -
First, tropical storm Alberto made landfall in late June, causing flooding.
And now, Hurricane Beryl is chugging towards the area, threatening further havoc.
An event was created on social media to destroy the monument in Progreso, Mexico, on 15 July.
It did the rounds, with 30,000 people marking themselves as interested.
It was eventually taken down, but other similar events popped up in its place, as reported on What’s The Jam.
- Advertisement -
In ancient Greek mythology, Poseidon presides over the sea, storms, earthquakes, and horses.
He creates clouds and was nicknamed “Earth-shaker” because he can produce earthquakes by hitting the ground with his trident.
Furthermore, the local Maya people believe their indigenous god Chaac was insulted by the Poseidon statue.
- Advertisement -
This, they believe, is why Chaac has been crying, causing rain, and striking clouds with an axe, creating thunder.
Progreso mayor Julián Zacarías Curi, who commissioned the statue, has not commented on the ploy to tear it down.
