Each year, as November arrives, vibrant marigolds, flickering candles, and the unmistakable image of a tall, elegant esqueleto adorned in fine dress appear across Mexico and beyond. She is La Catrina, the elegant lady of death, and she has become one of the most enduring icons of Día de los Muertos. But behind her painted smile lies a story that blends art, history, and cultural pride.

The Origins of La Catrina

La Catrina was first conceived in the early 1900s by Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada, who satirized Mexico’s upper class through a skeletal figure he called La Calavera Garbancera. She wore a fancy European-style hat, mocking those who aspired to European culture while denying their Indigenous roots.

Years later, Diego Rivera immortalized her in his mural “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park”, giving her the name La Catrina... derived from the word catrín, meaning “well-dressed gentleman.” Rivera’s depiction elevated her into a symbol of both social commentary and national identity.

More Than a Skeleton

To many, La Catrina is the graceful embodiment of death as part of life, not something to fear, but to honor. During Día de los Muertos, she reminds us that death is not an ending but a continuation of our story, lived on through memory, laughter, and love.

Her image is seen painted on faces, sculpted in clay, or printed on coffee bags and art and it invites joy, not sorrow. It’s a way to say: We remember you, and you are still with us 

Why She Endures

La Catrina has evolved into a cultural ambassador, a visual shorthand for the warmth, creativity, and resilience of Mexican identity. And with her artistry and beauty, she's also a cultural phenomenon. Representing a beautiful and colorful bridge between worlds: Indigenous beliefs and modern art, mourning and celebration.

Today, her spirit continues to inspire artists, brands, and communities that honor heritage through beauty and meaning... from murals on city streets to gatherings over a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

Honoring the Spirit

At Miraflores Coffee, we pay tribute to this legacy through our Choco Loco Blend, which proudly features José Guadalupe Posada’s original artwork on its label. The blend features Mexican Chocolate flavoring on our specialty grade beans, a delectable combo. 

For us, it’s more than design — it’s a way of honoring the creativity and cultural roots that shape Latin America’s coffee traditions. We invite you to pause, remember, and savor the moments that connect us — past and present, life and memory. So as you sip your coffee this Día de los Muertos, take a moment to celebrate life, remember loved ones, and honor the timeless elegance of La Catrina.