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The History of La Catrina: From Social Satire to Icon of the Day of the Dead
La Catrina, with her elegant hat and skeletal face, is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable symbols of the Day of the Dead in Mexico. Today, she can be seen in altars, parades, and decorations worldwide. However, this iconic figure originated as a social commentary, deeply rooted in Mexican art history.
The Beginnings of La Catrina: "La Calavera Garbancera"
The figure we now know as La Catrina was created by the Mexican engraver José Guadalupe Posada in 1912, initially called "La Calavera Garbancera." The name “Garbancera” referred to people of indigenous descent who, in their desire to adopt European fashion, rejected their own roots. Posada used the image of a skeleton with an extravagant hat to mock these individuals, particularly during the Porfirio Díaz era(NGenespanol)(México Desconocido).
Although Posada passed away in 1913, his character found new life through the work of another Mexican art giant: Diego Rivera. In 1947, Rivera immortalized La Catrina in his mural "Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central." Rivera not only gave the character the name "Catrina" but also depicted her full body, transforming her into a lady of Mexican high society(NGenespanol)(Cultura Colectiva).
The Use of Skulls Before La Catrina
Before La Catrina became popular, skulls (calaveras) already held significance in pre-Hispanic Mexico. Ancient civilizations, such as the Aztecs, used skull imagery to symbolize death, rebirth, and the afterlife. Mictlantecuhtli, the Aztec god of the underworld, was often depicted as a skeletal figure (Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre)(México Desconocido). This deep connection to death was celebrated in rituals and ceremonies, laying the foundation for later traditions, such as the Day of the Dead.
Later, during the colonial era, the use of skulls evolved, blending indigenous beliefs with Catholic traditions. By the 18th and 19th centuries, calaveritas literarias—playful and satirical poems about death—became popular, often accompanied by illustrations of dancing or laughing skeletons, which served as social critiques(México Desconocido)(Cultura Colectiva).
La Catrina’s Evolution
Over time, La Catrina evolved from a figure of social critique to a symbol of the Day of the Dead. Today, she represents the joyful and celebratory attitude toward death in Mexican culture. She reminds us that, no matter our social status, we all meet the same fate in the end(Wikipedia, la enciclopedia libre).
La Catrina in Popular Art
In the years since her creation, La Catrina has transcended her graphic origins to become a cultural icon. Today, you can find her represented in sculptures, paintings, and even international Day of the Dead celebrations, where her image is embraced by people around the world(México Desconocido)(Grupo Milenio).
What began as a sharp social commentary through La Catrina has transformed into a symbol that celebrates life and death in a colorful, joyful way. Now over 100 years old, La Catrina continues to be an integral part of Mexican traditions, reminding us of our inevitable equality in death—but with a touch of humor and elegance.
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