Catrinas have gained popularity, today more so for foreigners than the Mexicans themselves. Originally “La “Catrina”, a female dandy, was invented as part of a political satire mocking of the European-influenced ruling class of Mexico during the autocratic rule of Porfirio Diaz(President of Mexico in the late 1800’s.) The Catrina is credited to Jose Guadalupe Posada, a famous engraver and newspaper illustrator.
Día de los Muertos or Day of the Dead is celebrated primarily on November 1 – All Saints Day- and November 2 – All Souls Day. Generally, the 1st is to mourn children who have passed away, and the 2nd is for adults. The whole country is geared up with festivities. Special sweets and treats line entire market stalls with colorful sugar skeletons and coffins by the thousands spilling out into view. Michoacan state has a large Purepecha population. A fierce people that the Aztecs never fully conquered, they retain the traditions of the Día de Muertos, particularly in towns and villages near Lake Pátzcuaro.