On November 2^nd each year, cities across Mexico will be celebrating Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead. This cultural event is a major part of Mexico’s rich heritage, culture, and history. The iconic Malecon Boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta is always decorated to honor Dia de Los Muertos. There,  interesting decorations are displayed including amazing altars made to honor those who have passed on. Likewise, Catrinas are also displayed on the Malecon Boardwalk each year as well. Catrinas are skeleton figures that are elegantly dressed with painted white faces. This year in Puerto Vallarta, the largest Catrina ever was built, and it measured 23 meters tall or 75 feet high earning it the Guiness World Book Record. In need of a vacation to Mexico? It’s always a great time to visit PV. Meanwhile, read below to learn more about this year’s stunning giant Catrina which broke a world record.

La Catrina History

Keep reading here if you don’t know the history of how La Catrina came about. In 1910, Jose Guadalupe, a Mexican printmaker and cartoon illustrator, made a zinc sketch which is considered the first image of a Calavera Catrina. Initially, the sketch was of an upper-class skeleton woman dressed up in an attempt to make fun at politics. It was a subtle way to show President Porfirio Diaz that they weren’t in favor of his dictatorship along with the upper class people that supported him during the Mexican Revolution. Later, Catrina became the name for the skeleton image when she was painted in elegant dresses by Diego Rivera, a famous artist. This is when it became an iconic figure, and it represented death and how the people in Mexico dealt with it. Today, La Catrina’s character continues to be an important icon of the Day of the Dead. 

This Year’s Catrina Designed by Alondra Muca

Alondra Muca is a local artist in Puerto Vallarta that designed the award winning Catrina this year. She is a younger artist that successfully led a team of artists that worked for more than a year to prepare and construct the enormous Catrina. The Catrina was made of metal and fiberglass, and the skeleton was wearing a bright blue dress that had accents of teal on the top of the dress. Catrina also was wearing a hat that was made with actual palm tree leaves. The skeleton’s face was painted white, and her makeup had blue designs and accents added around the eyes, then on her cheeks and chin they added beautiful red and pink flowers. This year’s Catrina was so tall that the Guinness Book of World Records recorded it as the tallest Catrina in the world. 

Don’t be upset if you missed the Day of the Dead celebration in Puerto Vallarta this year. You can book a trip for next year, but why not enjoy a vacation to Puerto Vallarta now? Visiting Puerto Vallarta is wonderful any time of the year. Located in Banderas Bay which is the 7th largest bay in the world, Puerto Vallarta has beautiful beaches, excellent weather, and tons of fun things to see and do. Not sure where to stay? Give Garza Blanca Resort a call for the best accommodations. Owned and operated by the prestigious TAFER Hotels & Resorts, Garza Blanca Resort is located just south of downtown Puerto Vallarta on a private beach. There, they provide spacious accommodations, top amenities, and VIP services. If you want to always stay with the best, ask them about their exclusive Residence Club membership, too.