Pedro Páramo: Is Comala a Real Place in Mexico or Fictional? Location Explained

Pedro Páramo: Is Comala a Real Place in Mexico or Fictional? Location Explained

As a passionate connoisseur of Latin American literature and cinema, I have eagerly anticipated the release of Pedro Páramo on Netflix. The enigma surrounding the reality of Comala, the haunting town at the heart of Juan Rulfo’s iconic novel, has always piqued my curiosity.


Is it true that viewers are wondering if the setting for the Netflix horror drama movie “Pedro Páramo,” titled Comala, is a genuine location within Mexico? This film adapts Juan Rulfo’s 1955 novel of the same name, recognized as a significant work in Latin American literature. The narrative revolves around Juan Preciado’s encounters with ghostly inhabitants in Comala.

Let me share with you what we’ve found out regarding if the Comala town depicted by Pedro Páramo exists in reality or not.

Is Pedro Páramo’s Comala town a real place in Mexico?

Yes, Comala is indeed a real location in Southwestern Mexico.

Located within the state of Colima, the quaint town of Comala is nestled and even closer to its state capital. Known as “The White Village of America,” this moniker arises from the fact that most of its buildings have been painted white since the 1960s. In 2002, the Mexican government recognized Comala as a Pueblo Mágico, or ‘magical village.’ More recently, the town’s historic center has been designated as a Historic Monument Zone.

While Comala serves as the primary backdrop for the film Pedro Páramo, it’s important to note that not every scene was actually filmed there. As per a Netflix report, the movie was in fact shot at various locations within Central America. Rodrigo Prieto, the director, shared insights on the reasons behind the selection of these diverse shooting locations.

According to Prieto’s statement, the filming process spanned over 50 days across Nayarit, San Luis Potosí, and Mexico City, with a focus on capturing various exteriors such as streets with distinct features, plazas, traditional Mexican buildings known as ‘fondas’, and the Media Luna – a significant location mentioned in the book.

On November 6, 2024, a dramatic film titled “Pedro Páramo” premiered on Netflix, showcasing elements of magical realism. The narrative revolves around Juan Preciado, a young man who embarks on a journey to Comala town, seeking his father Pedro Páramo. Upon arrival, Preciado uncovers the shadowy past concealed within his father’s heritage and the cursed remnants of the forlorn town that remains.

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2024-11-08 17:10