LEGO’s La Catrina Set Highlights the Iconic Imagery of Día de los Muertos

Día de los Muertos, known in English as Day of the Dead, is a tradition that has been practiced for thousands of years by indigenous populations like the Aztecs and Toltecs, according to PBS Education. It begins at midnight on November 1, when it is believed that the souls of deceased children are reunited with their families for 24 hours, and goes through November 2, which is for the spirits of adults. In short, it's a time to remember and honor our deceased loved ones. In popular culture, this celebration is now often associated with the imagery of skulls decorated with colorful flowers, known as La Calavera Catrina, or "the elegant skull." 

Now, LEGO has recreated this iconic look for a new 141-piece Brick Headz set that honors the holiday. The set takes the traditional skull and blends it with colorful designs on the face with a dark pink hat encircled with flowers and an equally vibrant outfit. Once entirely constructed, the figure stands on a base at about 3.5-inches tall. Though the set is currently backordered on the LEGO site, you can still place your order, and it will ship by October 21.

Though LEGO may only be spotlighting this icon now, La Calavera Catrina actually has a far longer history than many might expect. According to National Geographic, Mexican illustrator Jose Guadalupe Posada originated the look for a series of satirical newspaper drawings starting in 1910. The look was eventually adopted to celebrate the Day of the Dead, and can now be found on T-shirts, figurines, and countless other products sold around the world.

Learn more about this new LEGO set and the history of Día de los Muertos and La Calavera Catrina.