A crowd of several hundred gathered at Fruitvale Village on Thursday morning to welcome La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of Oakland’s Fruitvale district.

According to The Unity Council, the piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, standing as a tribute to culture, resilience, remembrance and the generations of immigrants who enrich the city.

The unveiling featured an Indigenous blessing, live mariachi music and traditional dance performances, along with remarks from local and national leaders, including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico Marco Antonio Mena Rodríguez, Unity Council CEO Chris Iglesias, Visit Oakland CEO Peter Gamez and former HUD Secretary Julián Castro.

La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City is installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City is installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 

La Catrina, created in 1910 by Mexican illustrator José Guadalupe Posada, is the elegant skeleton icon that represents the Día de los Muertos holiday, which features in altars or memorials for deceased loved ones. Other people paint their faces, wear costumes or participate in contests for the best look-alike Catrina.

La Catrina will serve as the centerpiece for the upcoming 31st annual Día de los Muertos Festival, one of the Bay Area’s largest cultural events. And the City Council invites the community to celebrate its people, culture, food, and businesses every Saturday in October from 12-4 p.m. at the Fruitvale Transit Village, beginning this Saturday with La Catrina in Community, featuring music and local vendors.

La Catrina in Community – Oct. 3rd: Music, local vendors, kid zones, and a celebration of the 34-foot Catrina sculpture.

Fruitvale Familia – Oct. 10th: A family-focused day of activities, entertainment, and local vendors centered on connection and community.

Flavors of Fruitvale – Oct. 17th: Food and culinary traditions of the Fruitvale.

Oakland Youth Day – Oct. 24th: Highlighting the voices and talents of Oakland youth with performances and youth-centered activities.

Members of TURF Inc., of Oakland, perform during the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)Members of TURF Inc., of Oakland, perform during the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 
Visitors take photos and video of La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City, installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience, and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)Visitors take photos and video of La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City, installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 
Details of La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City, is installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience, and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)Details of La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City, is installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 
Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee poses for photos with attendees after the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience, and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee poses for photos with attendees after the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 
A member of Ballet Folklórico de Fremont High School performs during the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience, and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)A member of Ballet Folklórico de Fremont High School performs during the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 
Details of La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City, is installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience, and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)Details of La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City, is installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 
Oakland Councilmember Noel Gallo, left, and Unity Council President Chris Iglesias watch a dance performance by Ballet Folklórico de Fremont High School during the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience, and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)Oakland Councilmember Noel Gallo, left, and Unity Council President Chris Iglesias watch a dance performance by Ballet Folklórico de Fremont High School during the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 
Mariachi Mexicanisimo performs during the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience, and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)Mariachi Mexicanisimo performs during the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 
Details of La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City is installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience, and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)Details of La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City is installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 
Community members attend the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience, and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)Community members attend the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 
A member of TURF Inc., of Oakland, performs during the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience, and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)A member of TURF Inc., of Oakland, performs during the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 
Community members attend the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience, and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)Community members attend the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group) 
Community members attend the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. According to The Unity Council, the traditional Mexican art piece is the tallest Catrina sculpture in the United States, honoring culture, pride, remembrance, resilience, and generations of immigrants who empower and enrich the city. The ceremony featured speakers including Mayor Barbara Lee, Councilmember Noel Gallo, Consul General of Mexico in San Francisco Marco Antonio Mena Rodriguez, Unity Council President Chris Iglesias, and Visit Oakland President Peter Gamez, along with dance performances and live mariachi music. The sculpture will be on display through the annual Día de los Muertos festival. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)Community members attend the official welcome ceremony for La Catrina, a monumental 34-foot sculpture handcrafted in Mexico City and installed in the heart of the Fruitvale district in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)