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Each year, the Día de los Muertos Festival brings people together in Oakland to honor those who came before us and the journeys that connect the living and the dead. For the festival's 31st annual celebration, The Unity Council in partnership with Visit Oakland, the City of Oakland, the Mexican Consulate, renowned artist Romain Greco of Artsumex, and cultural leaders in Mexico City have commission a monumental 34-foot La Catrina sculpture, handcrafted by master artisans in Mexico City.
La Catrina is standing tall at the Fruitvale Transit Village, as a striking symbol of Mexican culture, artistry, and the connection between Oakland and Mexico. She will remain on display throughout October, welcoming visitors and the community throughout different events before becoming a centerpiece of the Día de los Muertos Festival on November 1.
What Does La Catrina Symbolize?
La Catrina is one of the most recognized symbols of Día de los Muertos, standing for remembrance, the celebration of life, and the enduring connection between generations. Designed with outstretched arms, Oakland's La Catrina will serve as a powerful gesture of welcome and embrace—symbolically welcoming migrants into the Fruitvale community while expressing our shared values of inclusion, care, belonging, and cultural pride.
La Catrina carries with it another kind of journey. It reflects the experiences of many families who have traveled north to El Norte in search of safety, opportunity, and a better future. Its movement from Mexico City to Oakland becomes a powerful metaphor for these journeys, carrying memory, culture, and identity across borders. This story is deeply connected to the broader history of immigration in the United States, where generations of newcomers have come seeking opportunity and, in turn, have helped shape and sustain our communities. In California, migrants cultivate our fields, care for our families, build our neighborhoods, and contribute to the cultural and economic life of our region. The Catrina stands as a reminder not only of the journeys people take, but of the lasting contributions they make and the vital role they play in the fabric of our shared future.
La Catrina's Journey
Events
Planning to go see La Catrina? Parking can be limited. Consider these options:
Public Transportation: Utilize BART or AC Transit to avoid parking hassles.
Paid Parking Garages: There’s limited garages around Fruitvale that offer paid parking.
Street Parking: Limited street parking may be available, but be sure to check for permit requirements or restrictions
