The town of Zapotlanejo’s renowned Day of the Dead Festival is back with a bang this year, featuring a giant Catrina in hopes of setting another world record, though likely not officially certified by Guinness.
Before the pandemic, Zapotlanejo was especially famous for its elaborate Día de Muertos festivities, marked by towering Catrinas—elegant skeleton figures representing high-society women, dressed in intricate attire. This year’s celebration includes a new twist: the Catrina will be accompanied by a giant male companion (catrín) and a baby in an equally enormous pram.
As Jalisco’s primary hub for textiles and fashion, Zapotlanejo generates thousands of jobs in these sectors. Local businesses and merchants traditionally donate fabric and labor to create the monumental Catrinas.
The Catrina display will be open from October 30 to November 17, with the peak festivities on Friday, November 1, and Saturday, November 2, honoring Día de los Inocentes (Day of the Innocents), dedicated to the souls of deceased children, and Día de los Muertos, honoring deceased adults.
Located about 30 kilometers (around 19 miles) east of Guadalajara, Zapotlanejo is accessible from Chapala via the Macrolibramiento, roughly a 45-minute drive away.