Mexico City has unveiled the world’s tallest Catrina, a 33.411-meter figure erected for the country’s Day of the Dead celebrations. Guinness World Records recognized it as the tallest of its kind.
The structure was created by the Mexico City government in October and drew thousands of visitors and residents to the Plaza de la Constitución, also known as the Zócalo. About 150 people worked on its assembly, using steel, fiberglass, wood, concrete blocks and scaffolding.
The artists took inspiration from traditional Mexican embroidery, covering the figure with nearly 3,000 meters of fabric, some of it hand-painted, along with customized jewelry and accessories. They also used 70,000 cempasúchil flowers, the orange blooms commonly featured on Day of the Dead altars and offerings.
The Catrina originated as La Calavera Garbancera, a skeletal figure drawn by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada. In 1947, muralist Diego Rivera gave the character elegant clothing and the name Catrina. It has since become one of the most recognizable images associated with Mexico’s Day of the Dead.
The figure’s visit was extended before dismantling began. The Mexican government described it as a symbol of the country’s traditions and cultural heritage.
Sources: elDiario.es.