The Tooth Fairy Isn’t a Fairy in Spain!

The story of Ratoncito Pérez has been around for a long time and was first told by a Spanish author named Luis Coloma in 1894. According to the story, when a child loses a tooth, they place it under their pillow at night. Ratoncito Pérez then visits the child while they sleep, takes the tooth, and leaves a small gift or money in exchange.

The Raton Perez

The tradition of Ratoncito Pérez is very popular in Spain and in many Latin American countries as well. The little mouse is said to live in a small house inside a box, and he’s always busy collecting teeth from children. In some versions of the story, Ratoncito Pérez is even described as wearing a small suit and carrying a tiny suitcase to hold all the teeth he collects. He is a friendly and helpful mouse who makes losing a tooth feel like a special event for children.

The story of Ratoncito Pérez is not only a fun tradition, but it also teaches children about growing up and the idea of change. Just like how they get a small reward for losing a tooth, it’s a way to celebrate the milestones of growing older. Parents in Spain often tell the story to make the experience of losing a tooth more magical and exciting. Even though Ratoncito Pérez may not be as well-known in other parts of the world as the Tooth Fairy, he holds a special place in Spanish-speaking cultures as a beloved character.