The March of the Skeletons

As I mentioned in the previous post, on Sunday there was another event which is part of the ongoing Day of the Dead festivities in Mexico City.  It was called the Mega-Procession of "Catrinas".  Perhaps I should give some background information on the "catrina", an  iconic image which has become an integral part of the Day of the Dead.  

The "catrina" was first created by the Mexican engraver and political cartoonist, José Guadalupe Posada.  Posada's drawings satirized Mexican society in the early twentieth century.  His most famous work was entitled "La calavera catrina"... "The Elegant Skull".  It poked fun of upper class Mexicans who were obsessed with the latest European fashions.  Posada was pointing out that regardless of social rank or wealth, everyone meets death in the end.

(image taken from the web)

The skeletal "catrina" and her male counterpart, the "catrín" are ubiquitous this time of year when Mexicans take the inevitability of death with a sense of humor.

Sunday's Mega-Procession began at 6:00 P.M. at the Monument to Independence and continued down the Paseo de la Reforma and Juárez Avenue to the Palace of Fine Arts.  It was open to anyone whose face was painted as a skull, although many of the participants took great effort in putting together a costume that went far beyond a painted face.  This was NOT, however, a Halloween costume party.  There were no witches or ghosts or jack 'o lanterns... only a vast variety of "catrinas" and "catrines".

I do not know how many participated in the procession, but I would guess that the number would be in the thousands.  Although the procession halted frequently, it took a full two hours to pass. 

Here are some photos and videos of the event…

The Monument to Independence, also known as "El Angel", was the procession's starting point.  Although it was an overcast day, nothing more a few drops of rain fell on the parade.

This stilt-walking "catrina" was grabbing people from among the crowd and dancing with them.

And I was one of the people that she grabbed.  Alejandro captured a bit of video on his cell phone.

I said this last year, and I will repeat it.  I have never been to Mardi Gras in New Orleans, but the Day of the Dead festivities are fantastic, and I suspect much safer and more family friendly.