The Guarulhos Poltergeist

In 1973, a family in Guarulhos, a suburb of São Paulo, Brazil, experienced violent poltergeist phenomena centered on stone throwing. The case was investigated by Brazilian researchers and remains one of the country’s best-documented poltergeist events.

The Phenomena

Stones pelted the house from unknown sources. They appeared to materialize inside rooms and fall with unnatural trajectories. Objects moved by themselves. The family lived in constant fear.

The Investigation

Brazilian parapsychologist Hernani Guimarães Andrade investigated the case. He documented the stone falls, ruling out fraud through careful observation. The phenomena appeared genuine and inexplicable.

The Pattern

The activity centered on an adolescent family member, following the classic poltergeist pattern. Stress within the family may have triggered the phenomena. The activity decreased as the teenager’s situation improved.

The Cultural Context

Brazil has a rich tradition of belief in spirits and paranormal phenomena. The case was taken seriously by researchers and media alike. It contributed to Brazilian parapsychological literature.

Assessment

The Guarulhos case demonstrates the universal nature of poltergeist phenomena. The stone-throwing pattern is documented worldwide and across centuries. The investigation by Andrade added to the scientific literature on the subject.