All my Catrinas have sold. If you didn’t know what a Catrina is, it’s a symbol or icon of Dia de Los Muertos, which is a ceremony that dates back to the Aztec culture. Catrinas were first popularized by the Mexican printmaker and lithographer José Guadalupe Posada (1852–1913). Today, it is part of the Dia de Los Muertos celebration.
I have made 16 full-size catrinas, which we used at our yearly events. Since it is anticipated that this will be the last event for us due to funding, it made sense to sell the Catrinas. I was amazed by how fast they went. Raisin Hell Ranch got the bulk of the catrinas. They are the largest walk-thru haunt in the valley and are located in Madera, California. They are extending their Halloween haunt to include Dia de Los Muertos. The second place you will see our catrinas is at the Tiago-Sequoia Beer Garden. They will have live music, d.j., and a Catrina contest.
As I write this, I am receiving calls from people asking if this is genuinely the last event we will host. Last week’s column explained several factors, but we are considering celebrating the event differently at our theater next year.
Come to the Hanford Mall this Saturday, November 2, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You will enjoy sounds from the Unity Drum Circle, Folklorico dancing, mariachi, Lety Valencia who performs as La Catrina, and Aztec dancing. Make it to our booth, where we will have Dia de Los Muertos jewelry and other items. There will be a slew of different vendors in the corridors as well. All this will take place at the food court at the Hanford Mall.
