La Catrina is probably one of the most iconic figures of the Day of the Dead. She was created over 100 years ago by José Guadalupe Posada, who is buried in the Panteón Civil de Dolores. Efforts are currently underway at this cemetery to recognize his legacy.
Posada, who worked throughout his life as an illustrator, engraver, painter, and cartoonist, was born in Aguascalientes in 1852. His body of work is extensive, ranging from social cartoons to countless skull illustrations.
According to a publication by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the artist’s most famous work is the “Calavera Garbancera,” which we now know as the Catrina. However, its creator never lived to see the immense impact of his work; in fact, he died in poverty.
Originally, the Calavera Garbancera represented people who renounced their origins and culture by pretending to be European. Posada depicted it wearing nothing but an elegant hat.
The image of La Catrina, as we know it today, was created by Diego Rivera in his mural “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central” in 1947, 34 years after Posada’s death.
Over the years, La Catrina has grown in popularity and is one of the main figures associated with the Day of the Dead. Even in Mexico City, we have an annual parade of catrinas.
José Guadalupe Posada and his tribute at the Dolores Civil Cemetery
The painter died on January 20, 1913, from acute enteritis in Mexico City. The official social media accounts of the museum dedicated to Posada explain that he was buried in a sixth-class grave at the Panteón Civil de Dolores and later moved to a mass grave in 1920. To date, the exact location of his remains within the cemetery remains unknown.
Currently, the Dolores Civil Cemetery features an amphitheater dedicated to José Guadalupe Posada, which includes a stained-glass window featuring La Catrina as the central figure and an exhibition of engravings that will soon tour various venues. Additionally, in 2026, the cemetery will host a festival dedicated to the cartoonist, featuring various activities, including a parade of catrinas.
Over the years, there have been several initiatives to have Posada’s name included in the Rotunda of Illustrious Persons, alongside other great figures such as Diego Rivera, but none have come to fruition. That said, the fight continues: we were told at the cemetery that signatures are currently being collected to bring this project to fruition and pay a well-deserved tribute to the creator of La Catrina.
