Mexico City Sets New World Record with 33-Meter Catrina for Day of the Dead

Key points

• The new Catrina stands at 33.4 meters, surpassing the previous record of 28.15 meters set in Puerto Vallarta in 2023.
• The sculpture was created by the Xibalbá art workshop under director Carlos Camilo Báez.
• The installation is part of a larger 'mega-ofrenda' featuring marigolds, axolotls, and sugar skulls in the Zócalo.
• The display will remain in the public square until November 3, 2026.
• This is the fifth Guinness World Record achieved by Mexico City in 2026.

Background

Mexico City has been actively pursuing Guinness World Records throughout 2026, having previously achieved records for the largest holographic mural, the longest line of sandwiches, the largest human wave outside a stadium, and the largest soccer lesson. The Catrina figure itself has historical roots in the work of engraver José Guadalupe Posada and was popularized by muralist Diego Rivera in the late 1940s. The current installation serves as a cultural centerpiece for the Day of the Dead celebrations, which traditionally involve elaborate altars to honor deceased relatives.

Why it matters

The record-breaking Catrina highlights Mexico City’s strategy of using cultural heritage to boost tourism and global visibility. By setting a new world record, the city reinforces its status as a hub for traditional Mexican art and identity. The event also serves as a public memorial, allowing citizens to collectively remember the deceased while honoring local political figures, thereby blending cultural tradition with civic commemoration.

What to watch

The 'mega-ofrenda' and the giant Catrina will remain on display in the Zócalo until November 3, 2026. Visitors can view the installation during this period, which coincides with the peak of Day of the Dead celebrations. The lighting on government buildings and along 20 de Noviembre avenue will also remain active to enhance the visual spectacle for the public.