The Maro Sugar Mill and a worker who died tragically in 1920.

The unsettling story of the "Shovel Man"

Old sugar factory of San Joaquin

Maro is a small town in Málaga, known for its tranquility and for the San Joaquín sugar and liquor factory, which attracts the interest of paranormal researchers and enthusiasts. This factory, built in the early 19th century, was a major source of employment until 1930, when strange incidents and unusual sightings began to occur. Witnesses, including former workers, reported mysterious noises at night and shadowy movements, which instilled fear among the employees.

One particularly eerie story is that of the "Shovel Man," a worker who tragically died at the factory in the 1920s. Since his death, many have claimed to have seen a man with a shovel wandering the grounds. These accounts motivated a group of paranormal investigators to explore the factory, using specialized equipment. During their investigation, they captured strange phenomena such as temperature changes and whispering voices in audio recordings.

The phenomena weren't just reported by researchers; many townspeople also recounted their own strange experiences. Some heard inexplicable noises or saw lights in the factory windows. Others felt a sense of being watched as they passed by. One researcher experienced an intense feeling of presence, and a dark figure was captured on an infrared camera.

The investigation included various methods for recording phenomena, but not all the experiences were terrifying. Some testimonies mentioned subtle sensations, such as cool breezes or sweet aromas. These experiences led to a debate about whether they were the result of residual energies or sentient entities.

Although the researchers didn't reach a definitive conclusion, they found evidence of paranormal activity, which sparked interest from the community and the media. However, there are also skeptics who argue that the phenomena could be explained by natural or psychological factors, influenced by the darkness and the old architecture.

While opinions vary, the Maro sugar factory has become a fascinating place to explore the inexplicable, holding secrets that invite future investigations.

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