Lauren’s Da Groof and the Golden Age of Piracy in Mexico!. By Emilia Méndez Gamboa.

 Lauren’s Da Groof and the Golden Age of Piracy in Mexico!

Usually, when people think of pirates, their minds go straight to the Caribbean. But in the 17th century, Mexico had its own thrilling and exciting golden age of piracy. The Gulf of Mexico, with its rich Spanish treasure fleets and hidden places or caves, became a playground for fearless pirates from all over the world. It was a time filled with riches, battles, and secret hideouts along the shore.

Lauren's da Groof, a mysterious pirate, is one of these legends. Although not as well-known a name as Blackbeard or Henry Morgan, da Groof's swift black ship, La Fiera, haunted the Mexican shoreline. He was well-known for his unusual accent, clothing adorned with gold, and cunning escapes from Spanish vessels.

Legend says da Groof once attacked a convoy off the coast of Veracruz! disappearing into the scary fog with chests of silver and leaving behind only a mysterious note. He was feared and admired, both at the same time, rumored to have buried treasure somewhere along the Yucatán coast, but no one to this day has ever found it, so it’s a big mystery.

Today, the interesting traces of this era remain in Mexico’s legend, myths, and obviously museums. And though Lauren’s da Groof may be more myth than a real person who existed, his story is a reminder of the wild days when pirates were the kings of the seas.