For the third year in a row, students at more than 90 Guadalajara public schools have given their artistic expressions free rein and created an astonishing collection of life-size Catrinas (skeletons) that will enhance the major plazas of downtown Guadalajara until the end of November.
The 107 catrinas are mounted in the Rotonda de los Jaliscienses Ilustres, Plaza Liberacion, Plaza Guadalajara and Plaza de Armas. Cell phone cameras are working overtime as locals as well as tourists line up to be photographed with the colorful and bizarre creations.
“What’s remarkable about them is that they are all so different,” said Juan de Abajo, a Spaniard visiting Guadalajara for the first time, on Thursday. “They are very clever.”
The students have used a variety of materials to make the Catrinas. Plaster of Paris is preferred but recycled items, such as tins, foil and cardboard, also feature.
While some of the skeletons are easily recognizable – there’s an angel, a cowboy, a pop star, a bride – others are charming simply because of their fine detailing, color and elegant finishing.
The catrina originated as a 1910 etching by Mexican printmaker Jose Guadalupe Posada and is one of the Day of the Dead’s most enduring symbols. The figures reflect Mexico’s tongue-in-cheek, undaunted close relationship with death.