La Catrina, also known as "La Calavera Catrina" or simply "Catrina," is an iconic figure in Mexican culture, particularly associated with the celebration of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. This elegant figure dressed as a skeleton has a rich and complex history dating back to post-revolutionary Mexico. In this article, we will explore in detail the origin and history of La Catrina.
The Origins of La Catrina:
La Catrina was created by the Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada in the early 20th century. José Guadalupe Posada (1852-1913) was a prolific illustrator and engraver who played a significant role in creating satirical and caricatural images during post-revolutionary Mexico.
The "Calavera Garbancera":
The original image of La Catrina was created by Posada under the name "Calavera Garbancera." This caricature depicts a skeletal woman dressed in elegant attire, wearing a tall hat adorned with feathers. The "Calavera Garbancera" was a social satire aimed at criticizing the upper-class Mexican society of the time, which sought to adopt a European lifestyle while rejecting its indigenous roots. The term "garbancero" was a pejorative term used to describe those who adopted a European lifestyle while rejecting their indigenous origins.
Evolution into La Catrina:
The image of the "Calavera Garbancera" evolved into what we now know as La Catrina. This transformation was largely due to the famous Mexican muralist Diego Rivera. Rivera painted a version of La Catrina in his renowned mural "Sueño de una Tarde Dominical en la Alameda Central" (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central), completed in 1947. This artwork popularized the image of La Catrina and deeply rooted it in Mexican culture.
Cultural Significance:
La Catrina has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Mexican culture and is closely associated with the celebration of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). She embodies the Mexican notion of death as an inevitable part of life and celebrates the memory of the deceased in a colorful and festive manner.
Popular Usage:
La Catrina is often depicted in Dia de los Muertos parades, in the form of masks, costumes, and decorative figurines. She has also become a source of inspiration for many Mexican and foreign artists, and her image has been used in artworks, sculptures, tattoos, and even fashion pieces.
In conclusion, La Catrina is an iconic cultural figure that embodies the essence of the Dia de los Muertos celebration in Mexico. Her origin stems from a satirical social critique, but she has become a symbol of accepting death as an integral part of life and celebrating the memory of the deceased in Mexican culture.