Get out the playhouse and get ready for dress up time–today (March 9) is National Barbie Day. The 11-inch groundbreaking doll has been inspiring kids since she slid onto shelves in 1959. Since then she has picked up the chalk as a teacher, played with animals as a veterinarian, and carried a microphone to be a television reporter. What can we say, the girl likes to represent. But, that representation does not stop at vocations or dream vacations.
The famed doll has gone a way from just being a blonde-haired bombshell and instead adding inspiration from people from all walks of life. One of Barbie’s taglines is “you can be anything,” and over the past few decades she has shown that.
Today, Barbie has over 35 skin tones and nine different body types. She comes in a wheelchair, wearing a judge robe, or a chef’s hat. There seems to be no end to what Barbie can do and more importantly, that she can honor anyone from anywhere.
Barbie has taken representation to a new level releasing collections featuring Sheroes, Dolls of the World for both North and South America and even some Latin cultured holiday Barbies. Right now, on National Barbie Day, let’s have a look at just some of the many dolls that have celebrated, honored, and brought attention to Latin American culture over the years.
If you feel compelled to reach out for your dolls and play on this National Barbie Day, we hope any of these Latino inspired ones are among your collection.
Mexico Barbie (2012)
Mexico Barbie is inspired by “traditional mariachis and marimbas.” The 2012 version (pictured above) comes with a passport and a Chihuahua brush. This is not to be confused with Mexican Barbie. She was released in 1989 and then again in 1996.
Puerto Rican Barbie (1997)
The lone Puerto Rican Barbie doll made her debut in 1997. She comes complete with a white ruffled outfit, earrings, a ring, and shoes. iQue linda!
Peruvian Barbie (1999)
Peruvian Barbie’s attire is colorful and is said to reflect the “excitement” of Peru. She comes with a baby dressed in turquoise and red.
Chilean Barbie (1998)
Chilean Barbie hit shelves in 1998. Her look draws inspiration from the Chilean cowboy. She wears a bolero jacket with a traditional dress. Chilean Barbie has a hat and a sash banded in red, blue and white–the colors on the Chilean flag.
Argentinian Barbie (2011)
Argentinian Barbie one of the newest South American Barbies. She was released in 2011 and is ready to tango the night away. Where Mexico Barbie comes with a Chihuahua, this Barbie comes with a baby cougar!
Carnaval Barbie (2005)
Barbie has also released Latin holiday themed dolls that celebrate cultural days of significance. Back in 2005, Barbie took to Brazil and helped bring attention to one of its country’s biggest cultural events, The Carnaval. In honor of Rio de Janeiro’s week-long celebration, complete with a headpiece and gold platform shoes, Carnaval Barbie is ready for the Carnaval festivities.
Cinco de Mayo Barbie (2006)
Cinco de Mayo Barbie was inspired by the celebration of freedom. Cinco de Mayo Barbie is a wonderful tribute to one of the liveliest celebration of Mexican culture.
Dia de Muertos Barbie (2019)
The newest celebratory Barbie is for Dia de Muertos (Day of the Dead). This Barbie has two editions. The first hit shelves in 2019 and the second a year later. With a hefty price tag of around $75, this Barbie is more of an adult collectors item. She’s inspired by the two-day holiday in November when families gather to celebrate the lives of those who have long since passed.
Frida Kahlo Barbie (2017 Barbie Inspiring Women Series)
Few things inspire like actual people. The famed doll has used real life Latinas to add to its diversity lineup. Most will recognize the famed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The activist and feminist icon was honored with her own Barbie in 2017.
Mariana Costa Checa Barbie (2019 Barbie Shero Collection)
Peruvian native Mariana Costa Checa was part of the 2019 Barbie Shero collection. Checa is the CEO of Laboratoria, a social impact startup that helps push inclusion by helping women launch careers in tech.