Southern California Catrinas
Catrina Christina 2022 ©M. Ramirez-Adams
The season of the Southern California Catrinas starts in September during Latino Heritage Month when the L.A. Dodgers have the Dia de Los Dodgers Night. I haven’t been to this game night but it does look like a fun night with plenty of photo ops.
La Calavera Catrina
Catrina: An elegantly dressed skeleton figure
The history of Catrinas starts with José Guadalupe Posada a Mexican printmaker and illustrator in the early 20th century. He originally drew her as a satirical figure. This image depicted a skeleton wearing a fancy hat similar to those worn by European aristocrats. Posada's intent was to critique Mexicans who aspired to European customs and abandoned their indigenous roots. Diego Rivera revived Posada’s art by including his Catrina in his mural “A Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Park” 1946-47. Since then it that symbol has stayed in Mexican culture.
2018 Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery ©M. Ramirez-Adams
Dia de los Muertos in Los Angeles
The Latino community in Southern California thrives during the Dia del los Muertos celebrations that occur all around Los Angeles with parades & altar installations. The actual day of Dia de los Muertos is November 1st & 2nd (aka All Souls Day). It is a day where vistations to a loved ones grave site or an altar will be made with photos and an offering of food & drink will be made to honor & sit with the deceased. It is believed that it is when the dead come & visit so it a time to relish the good memories. The celebrations have evolved into an art form where artisans create custom altars every year telling a story.
Lily L.A. Catrina 2018 ©M. Ramirez-Adams
Catrina artisans create new costumes every year that embodies the holiday's message of celebrating rather than fearing death, reflecting Mexico's deep cultural ties to its ancestors. Now Catrinas wear crowns with roses & bejewel their face evoking the look of the sugar skulls.
Belle Zatarasca 2022 ©M. Ramirez-Adams
Catrin El Monstro 2022 ©M. Ramirez-Adams
Equality in Skull & Bones
The clothes, shoes & jewerly we wear says a lot about a person & many people use fashion establish status. Society standards on beauty also influence our lives but underneath it all we are all made of a skull & bones. We all follow the cycle of nature of life and death so the calveras remind us that we are all equal as skull & bones.
Janan Beltran 2023 ©M. Ramirez-Adams
As Posada intended, his Calvera Catrina reminds Mexicans to remember their indigenous roots which is why I enjoy seeing them every year. Seeing skeletons & being reminded of death doesn’t scare me. I actually see the celebrations as a reminder to live & enjoy this life because our time together is like a gift.
