Catrina
Credit: Alan Espinosa via Getty Images.

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Día de los Muertos is a deeply rooted tradition in Mexico, honoring deceased loved ones and preserving cultural memory. In L.A., where vibrant Mexican communities thrive, the celebration remains a vital link to its heritage, a space for family connection, and a way to share the culture with the broader city.

This 2025, the city of San Pedro is gearing up for a grand celebration, but this time with a twist: together with artist Rubicelia Prieto, they aim to break a world record by presenting the largest paper-maché sculpture created for the festival.

The massive Catrina sculpture towering at 22 feet, with a single hand already measuring an impressive 5 feet in both height and width, will be the centerpiece of the celebration. Alongside this monumental piece, seven additional Catrina sculptures Prieto will be on display at the festival.

The butterfly motifs incorporated into the sculptures carry special significance, symbolizing the belief that the souls of departed family members can return as butterflies. Crafted from paper, a flour-and-water glue mixture, cardboard, and wood, each sculpture takes three to six months to complete, reflecting the dedication and intricate skill behind every creation.

The celebration takes place this weekend and, as always, is a family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, a beer garden, food, kids’ crafts, an altar contest exhibition, and a Catrina costume contest.

📆 When: Sunday, October 26th, 2025. 3PM-9:30PM
📍 Location: 398 West 6th Street. San Pedro, CA 90731