The coastal city of Tampico, Mexico, with a population of 300,000, harbors a unique belief: they are protected by an underwater alien base known as Amupac. This legendary structure, located off Miramar Beach, is credited with shielding the city from hurricanes for over five decades. Locals attribute the absence of major hurricanes since 1967 to the presence of these extraterrestrial guardians. The legend describes Amupac as an “intraterrestrial” and “multidimensional” zone, invisible to the naked eye, yet capable of generating UFO sightings. This belief has become deeply ingrained in the city’s culture, influencing local businesses, celebrations, and even the name of the beach itself, which is now known as “Playa Protegida,” or “Protected Beach.”
The origins of the Amupac legend can be traced back to a 1967 article in the local newspaper, El Sol de Tampico. The article reported sightings of “nine unidentified objects” in the sky just before a predicted hurricane miraculously bypassed the city. Prior to this event, Tampico had been frequently impacted by hurricanes and tropical storms, suffering significant damage and loss of life. The sudden shift in the city’s fortunes, coupled with the UFO sightings, fueled the belief in an otherworldly protector. The story was further solidified in 1988 when another hurricane, predicted to hit Tampico, abruptly changed course, further cementing the legend of Amupac in the minds of the locals.
Alien investigators in Mexico have elaborated on the legend, describing the inhabitants of Amupac as ten-foot-tall, thin, light-skinned beings who allegedly constructed the base using a series of metal alloy bars buried in the seafloor. Juan Carlos Ramón López Díaz, a prominent UFO researcher, claims to have visited the base during an astral projection, asserting that it was built specifically to protect Tampico. This narrative, though lacking scientific evidence, has resonated deeply within the community, becoming an integral part of the city’s identity.
While the idea of an alien base deflecting hurricanes may seem fantastical, the prolonged absence of major storms in Tampico has sparked curiosity. Scientists, however, attribute this phenomenon to natural weather patterns. Dr. Rosario Romero, a climate scientist, points to prevailing westerly winds and high-pressure subtropical systems that tend to steer hurricanes away from Tampico and towards the southern coast of the US. She also notes documented flooding in 2013 and the impact of Tropical Storm Alberto in the region, events which challenge the narrative of complete protection. Despite scientific explanations, the belief in Amupac persists, demonstrating the power of a shared narrative in shaping community identity.
The Amupac legend has permeated various aspects of Tampico’s culture. Local businesses capitalize on the narrative, selling alien-themed merchandise and incorporating extraterrestrial motifs into their branding. The city even hosts an annual “Day of the Martian” celebration, where residents gather at the beach to express gratitude to their supposed alien protectors. This widespread acceptance of the Amupac legend, even in the face of scientific skepticism, highlights the human tendency to embrace narratives that offer comfort and a sense of security.
Historians like Marco Flores suggest that many locals may acknowledge the implausibility of the legend but choose to believe in it nonetheless. It provides a unique and captivating explanation for the city’s good fortune, offering a sense of wonder and local pride. The Amupac narrative demonstrates the powerful role of folklore and shared belief systems in shaping community identity and providing a sense of shared meaning, even in the absence of concrete evidence. Recent alleged UFO sightings near Tampico, including images of unusual lights and objects in the sky, have further fueled the legend, adding another layer to the intriguing narrative of the protected city.
