Have you heard of Dia de Los Muertos? Each year, cities all across Mexico and even around the world celebrated the holiday that honors our deceased ancestors on November 2nd. Referred to as Day of the Dead in English, Dia de Los Muertos is an important part of the country’s rich history and culture. Each year in Puerto Vallarta, the iconic Malecon boardwalk is decorated with elaborate and colorful decorations in honor of Dia de Los Muertos. Many beautiful altars are constructed which are known as ofrendas in Spanish that are designed to honor those who have passed on before us. In addition, various Catrinas are also on display which are elegantly dressed skeleton figures with painted faces that are synonymous with Dia de Muertos culture. Read more below to learn more about this year’s stunning Catrina which was the tallest ever in recorded history.
Created by Artist Alondra Muca
In 2022, the largest Catrina in Puerto Vallarta’s history was constructed and it was an impressive 23 meters tall, which is 75 feet high. If you’re wondering who created the incredible giant Catrina in Puerto Vallarta, her name is Alondra Muca. Muca is a young local artist who oversaw a team that was involved in creating the Catraina for more than a year. They worked hard to come up with a striking design and structure made of metal and fiberglass. The incredible Catrina is wearing a vibrant blue dress that has sequined teal accents on the top. Also, her hat is topped with real palm tree leaves. Her lovely skeleton face is white and with blue designs around her eyes and pink and red flowers on her cheeks and chin. This year’s impressive Puerto Vallarta Catrina is now recorded as the tallest Catrina ever in the Guiness Book of World Records.
Origins of La Catrina
Next, if you aren’t sure about the origins of La Catrina, the image began as a zinc sketch by a Mexican printmaker and cartoon illustrator José Guadalupe in 1910. He created the first image of a Calavera Catrina to be a satirization of upper class women that supported the dictatorship of President Porfirio Díaz during the Mexican Revolution. Later, the skeleton image was named Catrina by famous artist Diego Rivera and included in one of his amazing murals. Over time, the symbol of the Catrina became an iconic figure in Mexican culture that represents death and the way Mexicans view the passing into the afterlife. Today, the character of La Catrina remains an icon of the Mexican Day of the Dead.
Although the Day of the Day has already happened this year, it’s always a great time to visit beautiful Puerto Vallarta. With an excellent climate year round, travelers love to visit Banderas Bay all throughout the year. If you’re looking for a great place to stay, check out the luxurious accommodations at Garza Blanca Resort. Part of TAFER Hotels & Resorts, Garza Blanca is ideally located south of downtown Puerto Vallarta on a quiet and private beach. They have incredible beachfront accommodations, premiere amenities, and superior services. Currently, special all-inclusive travel packages are available for purchase. Also, if you want to always stay with the best, ask to see if you are eligible to join their high-end vacation club. Ready to travel to Puerto Vallarta? Call Garza Blanca today to book a dream Puerto Vallarta vacation!
