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Discover the Mexican tradition of cartonería and create your very own 1.3-meter-tall Catrina in this hands-on, immersive workshop led by artist and cartonería specialist Ana Elisa Romo.Designed for teens and adults of all experience levels, this workshop invites participants to reconnect with creativity and the joy of making by hand. Over 8 four-hour sessions, you will build your Catrina from the ground up using traditional materials such as paper, cardboard, wire, papier-mâché paste, and acrylic paint.
Each participant will have the freedom to develop a completely unique character—from the face, expression, and hairstyle to the clothing, hat, and decorative details. No previous artistic experience is necessary; the workshop is designed to guide participants through the entire creative process.
The Catrina is one of Mexico's most recognizable cultural figures. Originally created as La Calavera Garbancera in the work of engraver José Guadalupe Posada, the figure was later immortalized in Diego Rivera's mural Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Central. Today, the Catrina has become an iconic symbol associated with Mexico's Día de Muertos traditions.
As a special part of the project, all Catrinas created during the workshop will be exhibited at the Mexican Cultural Institute as part of our Día de Muertos Open House, giving participants the opportunity to share their creations with the community before taking their Catrinas home.
Workshop Details
📍 Mexican Cultural Institute — 2829 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C.
💰 $400 per participant
🗣️ Spanish & English
👥 Maximum 20 participants per group
🎨 No previous experience required
⏰ Group 1: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 6:00–10:00 PM | October 6–29, 2026
⏰ Group 2: Saturdays & Sundays, 12:00–4:00 PM | October 3–25, 2026
🎨 Materials included: wood base and structure, head mold, wire, newspaper, cardboard, papier-mâché paste, and acrylic paint.
Please note: Decorative materials such as artificial flowers, feathers, headpieces, hats, jewelry, fabric, and rebozos are not included and may be purchased or brought separately according to each participant's design.
Come ready to get your hands dirty, experiment, and create a Catrina that is uniquely yours!
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2829 16th St NW, Washington D.C., DC, United States, Washington, District of Columbia 20009
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