As every year in Mexico City, the Catrinas parade for the Day of the Dead will take place along Paseo de la Reforma. The Catrinas and Catrines parade arrives in Mexico City in 2024, held before the Day of the Dead to prepare and set the mood in the capital’s streets for this tradition, which has pre-Hispanic origins mixed with Catholic elements in the costumes and accessories.
Since 2016, people from all over the Valley of Mexico have gathered on Paseo de la Reforma to be part of the crowd of Catrinas in this mega procession.
What is the parade route?
The meeting point is the Estela de Luz on Reforma. From there, the walk will proceed to the Zócalo. Along the route, makeup artists will be available for no more than 100 pesos to give you a “touch-up” so you can join the other Catrinas. Even if you don’t want to get made up, you can accompany the caravan from the side and see the different designs.
What time and when is the event?
The parade will start at 7:00 PM on Sunday, October 27. Remember that participation is completely free. It is recommended to arrive a few minutes early to find a spot where you prefer.
What are Catrinas?
According to the National Fund for the Promotion of Handicrafts (Fonatur), the figure of Catrinas and Catrines is the form most associated with and representative of the Day of the Dead and death in Mexico.
The Catrina is a character created by the Mexican painter, illustrator, and cartoonist from Aguascalientes, José Guadalupe Posada. The original version is a metal engraving by the artist.
Originally named “La Calavera Garbancera” or “Garbancera,” it referred to people who, despite being indigenous, stopped selling corn to sell chickpeas, pretending to be European and denying their own race, heritage, and culture.
Originally, the skull is not dressed, only wearing a hat. This has been interpreted as a critique of the poverty in which Mexicans lived.
Source: Milenio
