Catrinas Take Over Times Square for Día de Muertos
Credit: Lyra Hale
Catrinas and guerreros are taking over Times Square for Día de Muertos. Straight from Puebla and Aguascalientes in México the Valle de Catrinas is now in the iconic square in New York City, ready to showcase the Mexican holiday and educate people on what it really is.
Día de Muertos is a Mexican holiday that has absolutely nothing to do with Halloween. Traditionally celebrated on November 1 and 2, though other days, such as October 31 or November 6, may be included depending on the specific part of Mexico, the holiday is all about remembering and paying tribute to our loved ones who are no longer with us. However, that’s not all, as tradition suggests that during the holiday, those we’ve loved and lost come to visit.
In the Times Square exhibition, the Valle de Catrinas includes three figures from Aguascalientes. One figure is a catrina wearing a pink dress with gold features. She’s wearing a veil of pink flowers.
There’s also a catrin wearing a red matador outfit with gold and white features. In his mouth he holds a cempasúchil and in his hand he holds a red flag.
And the final figure is a catrina in a blue sparkly dress and wide-brimmed hat. She holds the skirt up, revealing the word “Aguascalientes” with a white bull above.
The skull-like figures, created by José Guadalupe Posada, are a reminder that death is a great equalizer, representing the Mexican attitude towards death as not something to be feared but embraced. The Día de Muertos Catrinas in Times Square are a representation of the idea that death is not the end, but just part of the normal cycle of life.
Valle de Catrinas are joined by two guerreros from Atlixco in Puebla, México. One figure is the Guerrero Jaguar Azul. They’re a mythical figure inspired by the Mexica military orders. And the Blue Jaguar Warrior symbolizes nocturnal power, agility, and mastery of the feline spirit. They’re painted blue with spots and are holding a shield and weapon. Their creation was due to the Collective of the Valley of Atlixco.
The other figure from Puebla is Cuauhtémoc. This figure represents the eagle warrior, who is brave, strategic, and honorable. In a kneeling position, the skeletal figure is seen pointing with a headdress and shield of feathers and beads in green and red. They were created by Emiliano Sánchez González.
The catrinas from the Valley of Atlixco have been displayed before at Harvard University, at Rome in the Piazza San Silvestro, and are also currently displayed in Colombia.
Valle de Catrinas will be in Times Square until November 2nd. The final day will have altars built, catrinas attend, and live music.