Barbie

Barbie Announces New Doll for ‘Dia De Muertos' Collection

Mattel released a new version of Catrina Barbie, modeled after the traditions of Mexico's celebration to honor dead relatives

Barbie celebrates Dia De Muertos with a second collectible doll honoring the traditions, symbols and rituals of the time-honored holiday
Mattel

Mexico's Dia de Muertos celebrations start on Oct. 31, the time of year when families remember their dead relatives with offerings of traditional foods, parades and nightly visits to cemeteries.

It is a beautiful and colorful holiday for Mexicans, and in recent years the holiday has entered the mainstream with movies like Disney's "Coco" and "The Book of Life" depicting Mexican traditions.

Mattel, the maker of Barbie, launched the first version of Barbie Catrina last year. The 2019 Catrina wore a black dress floral dress, a head piece and traditional calavera makeup.

The new Barbie Catrina is more festive and dressed up than the first version of the doll.

She has a blush-colored lace dress which opens up to reveal a second layer embroidered with floral and skeleton accents. She is wearing a crown of skeleton hands holding roses and marigolds.

This year's doll was designed by Mexican American designer Javier Meabe and draws inspirations from his upbringing and family traditions.

"As a Mexican American designer, it was important to me to use my creative voice to design a doll that celebrates the bright colors and vivid textures of my culture, as well as have the traditions I grew up with represented and celebrated in Barbie," Maebe said in a statement from Mattel.

Despite entrusting the doll's design to a Mexican American designer, there is some backlash online debating whether the Barbie Catrina collection is watering down a sacred holiday and 3,000-year-old tradition. Some are accusing Barbie of cultural appropriation.

While there isn't a restock date, the details and photos of the doll are available on the company's website.

Contact Us