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La Catrina: A Mexican Symbol of Life and Death
If you’ve ever seen a skull-faced woman dressed in elegant attire during Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebrations, you’ve encountered La Catrina. This iconic Mexican figure’s rich history and profound cultural significance have captured the hearts of people around the world.
Who is La Catrina?
La Catrina, also known as “La Calavera Garbancera,” was born from the vivid imagination of Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada. Posada was a prolific illustrator and printmaker in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He first created the character of La Catrina in a zinc etching around 1910 as a satirical representation of the Mexican upper class during the reign of Porfirio Díaz.
La Catrina is depicted as an elegantly dressed woman with a skull as a face. She wears a large, feathered hat and a fancy dress and often carries a parasol. Her skeletal appearance symbolizes the idea that death is an equalizer, making everyone, regardless of social class or wealth, equal in the end.
La Catrina plays a central role in Dia de los Muertos, a Mexican holiday celebrated from October 31st to November 2nd. During this time, families gather to honor and remember their deceased loved ones. La Catrina represents the idea that death is not to be feared but embraced as a natural part of life’s cycle. She embodies the belief that death can be humorous, whimsical, and beautiful, rather than something to be dreaded.
Diego Rivera’s Contribution and Global Popularity
La Catrina’s fame skyrocketed when renowned Mexican muralist Diego Rivera featured her in his mural “Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central” (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central) in 1947. In the mural, La Catrina is depicted holding the hand of Rivera’s wife, Frida Kahlo, who is also dressed as a skeleton. This image further solidified La Catrina’s place in Mexican culture and art.
Photo Credit: Sotheby.com
Photo Credit: Sotheby.com
In recent years, La Catrina has transcended Mexican borders and has become an internationally recognized symbol of Mexican culture. Her image can be found on everything from t-shirts to tattoos, and she is a popular costume choice for Halloween celebrations worldwide. She was also part of both the Disney movie, Coco, and 20th Century Fox’s The Book of Life.
La Catrina is more than just a skull-faced figure in an elegant dress; she is a symbol of Mexican culture, a reminder of the transience of life, and a testament to the enduring power of art to capture the human experience.
Día de los Muertos Barbie 2023
Mattel has released two versions of the 2023 Dia de los Muertos Barbie dolls, as well as a Ken doll, which honor the customs, symbols, and rituals often seen throughout the festive time of remembrance. The dolls are designed by Mexican-American product designer Javier Meabe, who led the launch of Barbie’s first Dia de los Muertos doll in 2019. The dolls come in themed packaging designed for display and include a Certificate of Authenticity.
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One version of the doll wears a pink ruffled dress decorated with sugar skulls and colorful flowers, while the other version wears a more traditional dress with puffed sleeves and skull and heart embroidery, created in collaboration with Mexican designer Paola Wong’s fashion brand, Pink Magnolia.
“This year, Barbie wears a beautiful satin pink gown with vibrant calavera and floral embellishments, a crown of symbolic monarch butterflies float around her, and she carries a miniature ofrenda diorama with traditional cempasúchil accents. Ken wears a striking dark blue jacket with intricately embroidered lapels, a metallic striped shirt, a hat with silver detailing, and sleek black boots. Both Barbie and Ken wear traditional sugar skull face paint,” Mattel described.
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The dolls provide an opportunity for people to learn about and celebrate other cultures and parts of the world. However, the release of the first Dia de los Muertos Barbie doll in 2019 raised concerns about cultural appropriation. Despite this, the dolls have been well-received by many, and they provide a way for people to celebrate and honor the holiday for the millions that celebrate it.
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