The original name of La Catrina is “La Calavera Garbancera.” This name was given to her by the Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada in 1910. Posada was known for his illustrations and engravings that depicted the social and political issues of his time.
In his artwork, Posada often used skeletons to satirize and critique the upper class of Mexican society. La Calavera Garbancera was one of his most famous creations, representing the social climbers who sought to imitate European fashion and lifestyle.
La Calavera Garbancera was initially portrayed as a skeleton dressed in an elegant French dress. She wore white makeup on her face, a fancy hat, and a feather boa, which symbolized the extravagance and opulence of the upper class. Despite being a skeleton, she exuded charm and sophistication, highlighting the irony of the social climbers who prioritized appearances over substance.
Over time, La Calavera Garbancera evolved into the iconic figure we now know as La Catrina. The term “catrina” is derived from the Spanish word for “elegant” or “dressed up.” The transformation of La Calavera Garbancera into La Catrina can be attributed to the influential Mexican muralist Diego Rivera.
In the 1940s, Diego Rivera created a mural titled “Sueño de una tarde dominical en la Alameda Central” (Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central), which prominently featured La Catrina. Rivera portrayed her as a well-dressed skeleton, wearing a wide-brimmed hat with a feather and a fashionable gown. This mural played a significant role in popularizing La Catrina as a symbol of Mexican culture and identity.
Since then, La Catrina has become an integral part of Mexican folklore and is closely associated with the Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebrations. She is often depicted as a elegantly dressed skeleton, with her iconic hat and feather, symbolizing both the beauty and inevitability of death.
The original name of La Catrina is “La Calavera Garbancera,” which was given to her by José Guadalupe Posada in 1910. This name represents the social climbers who imitated European fashion and lifestyle. Over time, she has transformed into the iconic figure of La Catrina, symbolizing Mexican culture and the celebration of the Day of the Dead.