MEXICO CITY - Drag artist Ángel Arumir, adorned in a vibrant pink dress reflecting Mexican folk art, prepares to join the throngs of participants at the annual Catrina parade in Mexico City. The parade, a key event celebrating the Day of the Dead, features thousands of attendees clad in elaborate costumes and skull-inspired makeup as they honor the deceased through art and culture.
The Day of the Dead tradition commences on October 31, commemorating those who have died in accidents, followed by November 1 to remember childhood losses, and finally, November 2 for adults. Central to this celebration is the Catrina, a skeleton elegantly dressed, symbolizing the blend of death and the vibrancy of life in Mexican culture. Arumir represents the collective Exóticas, composed of nearly 200 LGBTQ+ artists, stylists, and designers, who brought a unique twist to this deeply rooted tradition.
Arumir, who has been performing in drag for nearly two decades, conveys the significance of the day, saying, “This day is our chance to show our art and our hearts with dignity.” He emphasizes the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ artists gaining recognition within traditional festivities. Exóticas was among more than 40 groups parading, each representing various social causes, thereby enriching the event with diverse messages and artistic expressions.
In a nation where LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly transgender women, often encounter violence, the parade serves as a sanctuary of safety and community. According to the regional network Sin Violencia LGTBQ+, over 80 queer individuals were murdered in Mexico last year, making it the nation with the second-highest violence rate against LGBTQ+ people in Latin America, next to Colombia. Of these murders, 55 involved transgender women, as noted by activist Jair Martínez, who pointed out the increasing visibility of these individuals in society correlating with rising violence.
The preparation for the Catrina parade is a yearlong endeavor. Between juggling work and family obligations, Arumir and his team meticulously design, sew, and embellish costumes. Every outfit is a unique vibrant piece, often carrying poignant messages. One participant, Rich González, traveled from Tijuana, wearing a dress symbolically honoring murdered members of the LGBTQ+ community, adorned with colorful crosses against a haunting black backdrop.
First-time participant Santiago Mercado, 18, expressed his excitement, stating that the event is a significant opportunity to celebrate culture while advocating for rights. The Catrina parade, which started in 2014, was initially a small gathering of makeup artists and creatives aimed at preserving Mexican traditions against the backdrop of increasing Halloween commercialization. It has now transformed into one of Mexico City’s most significant pre-Day of the Dead events, attracting tens of thousands of participants and spectators.
The Catrina herself was conceived over a century ago as a satirical commentary by José Guadalupe Posada, targeting the Mexican upper class while illustrating the universal reality of death. Today, this symbolism resonates through the work of artists like Arumir, who strives to create an inclusive space for self-expression and safety. As the parade winds through downtown Mexico City, Arumir and his fellow performers bring joy and color, dancing to lively Latin pop songs, while the crowds cheer and capture the spirit of unity and resilience through their smartphones.
