Clara Brugada said the 33-meter papier-mâché figure mocks vanity and classism, recalling that in death there are no titles, surnames or fortunes.

This article by Rocío González Alvarado originally appeared in the October 29, 2026 edition of La Jornada, Mexico’s premier left wing daily newspaper.

Mexico City obtained a Guinness World Record with the installation of a monumental catrina more than 33 meters tall in the Zócalo, after the papier-mâché figure was certified as the tallest in the world.

The catrina, installed in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral, is part of the monumental Day of the Dead offering in the Plaza de la Constitución, which is surrounded by lighting and cempasúchil flowers.

During the inauguration of the offering, accompanied by Alfredo Arista, Guinness World Records representative for Latin America, Head of Government Clara Brugada said that the figure represents a critique of vanity, classism and false appearances, recalling that in the face of death there are no differences by titles, surnames or fortune.

From the heart of Mexico, she added, the Catrina mocks privileges and reminds us that no one should be more than anyone else.

Illuminated catrina figures at night in the Zócalo, with the Metropolitan Cathedral behind

Photo: Jorge Ángel Pablo García

Monumental Zócalo Catrina Pays Tribute to José Guadalupe Posada

The work was made by the Xibalbá art workshop, directed by Carlos Camilo Báez, and pays tribute to the Catrina Garbancera, a creation of engraver José Guadalupe Posada, which was later immortalized by Diego Rivera in the mural Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in the Alameda Central.

The head of government also inaugurated the monumental lighting of the Zócalo, composed of figures of catrinas, candles, sugar skulls, cempasúchil flowers and hummingbirds. More than 100 workers from the Secretariat of Works participated in its construction.

The giant catrina standing in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral as crowds gather in the Zócalo

Photo: Jorge Ángel Pablo García

Day of the Dead in Mexico City: Parade, Offering and Cempasúchil Festival

As part of the Day of the Dead activities, Brugada invited the public to visit the monumental offering and announced that this Saturday the tenth edition of the Great Day of the Dead Parade will take place, departing from the Diana Cazadora toward the Zócalo.

She also invited people to attend the Cempasúchil Trail festival in Chapultepec, which will run from this Friday to Sunday.

The head of government stated that the Day of the Dead is a way of keeping alive the memory of those who died and represents a “loving rebellion against oblivion,” through the traditions, offerings, flowers and rituals with which Mexican families symbolically receive their loved ones.

Close-up of the giant catrina in a purple dress and flower crown, with the Mexican flag in the background

Photo: Jorge Ángel Pablo García

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