The Legend of Spicy Cricket is a famous tale from the island of Morita. Spicy followed his father Sergio Saltamonte’s legacy as “the best dancer in all of Costa Rica.”  Like his father, Spicy performed for Kings and Queens across the neighboring islands. King Pedro Polilla soon banished the gifted dancer from Morita’s isle. Spicy’s father had a reputation for being quite the Lothario and King Pedro wanted Spicy Cricket no where near his daughter, Princess Mariposa.

Once banished, Spicy Cricket fled to Mexico, where he met a real amigo named Estevan Escarabajo, the Mexican dung beetle. Enjoying cervezas at the local cantina, Spicy hears of his father’s recent death back in Morita and realizes he must return to avenge his father’s honor. Little does he know that Prince Luis Lelabula of Caracol island will be waiting for him.

Firelight flickers across Spicy Cricket’s face as he tells Estaban the tale. The sounds of the jungle fade as Spicy Cricket’s words fall upon the leaves of the forest.

Estevan remembers, We had hitched a ride from a fisherman with a leaky boat from Mexico to Morita. I was just happy to be getting warm and dry by the fire. Spicy Cricket’s face is twisted with sorrow as he speaks…

“Estevan, my good friend, I must tell you everything before daylight.”

I waited for Spicy’s words patiently. As he paused, a howl comes from the jungle and sent a shiver up my spine. I showed no fear in my eyes, being the tough Mexican dung beetle I am.

The worst was yet to come.