The Catrina is based on a 1913 zinc etching by Mexican printmaker José Guadalupe Posada. The figure, a female skeleton, depicted in an ornate hat which was fashionable at the time, "is intended to show that the rich and fashionable, despite their pretensions to importance, are just as susceptible to death as anyone else." The Catrina has become a popular figure in Dia de los Muertos celebrations. We were fortunate to see the "Festival de Catrinas" in the Jardin Borda in downtown Cuernavaca during the days of Dia de los Muertos (10/30 - 11/2). The festival is a competition of artisans from 5 different states who construct and decorate the Catrinas and display them throughout the garden. We went 3 out of the 4 days (it was free admission) and were able to enjoy dancing Chinelos (a traditional dance of Morelos), a poetry reading, a band, more ofrendas, homemade food and shopping for handmade crafts at booths.
The slideshow on the right has pictures of the afore-mentioned events in addition to some pictures of sights in Tepotzlan and another art show Reed and I just happened to find while walking around centro.
For pictures, click on this link:
Coming next: D.F. and Teotihuacan
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