Iconic 'Day of the Dead' Skeleton Visits Times Square

Thursday October 31, 2024

The Monumental Catrinas arrives in Times Square in New York City.
The Monumental Catrinas arrives in Times Square in New York City.  (Source:ENroute Communications)

In conjunction with Day of the Dead celebrations, the Mexican state of Aguascalientes, in collaboration and under the management of the Consulate of Mexico in New York and the Mayor's Office of the city, released the following:

The authorities of the government of the state of Aguascalientes, in collaboration and under the management of the Consulate of Mexico in New York and the Mayor's Office of the city, have brought the emblematic Monumental Catrinas of the Day of the Dead to the heart of Manhattan in Times Square, New York. From October 28 to November 2, the more than 330,000 daily visitors of this iconic place will have the opportunity to admire and take photos with these majestic characters, symbols that pay homage to the cultural wealth of Mexico and keep the tradition of the Day of the Dead alive in one of the busiest places in the world.

One of the great symbols of the Day of the Dead is the iconic skeleton, "La Calavera Catrina." The artist who created it was José Guadalupe Posada, originally from the State of Aguascalientes. Posada began producing illustrations of death in 1882.

Watch this video of the Festival Cultural de Calaveras 2023

The State of Aguascalientes was present and enamored New Yorkers and visitors in the iconic Times Square with the exhibition of La Catrina, almost 10 feet high, which represents the passion of Aguascalientes and its culture. This unique exhibition, in one of the nerve centers of global culture, highlights not only the color and history of the Catrinas, but also the deep respect and celebration of life and death that characterizes the Mexican people.

As one of the states of greatest cultural importance in Mexico, Aguascalientes offers an unparalleled Day of the Dead celebration. Here, travelers can experience the most deep-rooted traditions of the holiday, which come to life through art, music and community events that honor the past and celebrate the present. The combination of rich history, artistic expression and warm hospitality makes Aguascalientes an ideal destination for those looking to immerse themselves in one of Mexico's most important cultural celebrations.

At the same time, from October 26 to November 3, the Calaveras Cultural Festival is taking place in the city of Aguascalientes. This festival pays tribute to the world-renowned José Guadalupe Posada, creator of "La Calavera Garbancera," an icon of the Day of the Dead celebration.