Every year, the Día de Los Muertos Festival brings people together in Oakland to honor those who came before us and to celebrate the bonds that unite the living and the dead.
For the festival’s 31st observation, the Unity Council, Visit Oakland, the City of Oakland, the Consulate of Mexico, renowned artist Romain Greco of Artsumex, and cultural leaders from Mexico City, commissioned a monumental 34-foot-tall sculpture of ‘La Catrina,’ handcrafted by master artisans from the Mexican capital.
The statue that arrived in pieces was unveiled on Sept. 22 and stands at the Fruitvale Transit Village, where she rises as an impressive symbol of Mexican culture, art, and the connection between Oakland and Mexico.
She will remain on display until Nov. 5, welcoming visitors and community members during various events, before becoming one of the main attractions of the Día de Los Muertos Festival on Nov. 1.
What does La Catrina symbolize?
La Catrina is one of the most recognized symbols of Día de Los Muertos. She represents the remembrance of our loved ones, the celebration of life, and the lasting connection between generations. Wearing a crown of orange marigolds, poppies, and monarch butterflies, the Oakland sculpture has her arms outstretched, as if she wants to embrace everyone who approaches her. This gesture symbolizes a warm welcome to the migrants who arrive in the Fruitvale community and expresses shared values such as inclusion, care, a sense of belonging, and cultural pride.
La Catrina also represents another kind of journey. She reflects the experiences of many families who have traveled north to the United States in search of safety, opportunity, and a better future. Her 2,000-mile journey from Mexico City to Oakland becomes a powerful metaphor for these migration experiences. Across borders, the sculpture carries memories, culture, and identity with her.
This story is deeply connected to the history of immigration in the United States, where generations of newcomers have sought opportunity while also helping to build and sustain their communities.
In California, migrants work in the fields, care for our families, build our neighborhoods, and enrich the cultural and economic life of the region. Their contributions are an essential part of the society we live in.
That is why La Catrina is much more than an impressive work of art. She reminds us of the journeys people make, the sacrifices they make, and the lasting contributions they offer to their communities. Her presence in Oakland celebrates Mexican roots, recognizes the migrant experience, and invites us to reflect on the essential role we all play in building a shared future.
The theme for this year’s festival is “La Lucha Continúa: Aquí estamos y no nos vamos” (The Struggle Continues: We Are Here and We’re Not Leaving). The free, family friendly festival is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Nov. 1 along International Boulevard between Fruitvale and 34th avenues.
