Step into tradition, beauty, and creativity.

Join the Tarde de Catrinas runway and contest — open to all ages!

Celebrate life and remembrance through your own Catrina creation.

Bring your Catrina to life! Complete the entry form at the bottom of this page.
If you’re joining us as a guest, please RSVP to get on the list.

Contest Entry & RSVP

Ready to bring your Catrina to life? Complete the form to enter the Tarde de Catrinas contest. Tell us about your inspiration and what your Catrina represents. Whether honoring a loved one, celebrating Mexican heritage, or expressing your creative spirit, every Catrina has a story — and we can’t wait to see yours.

Learn about the tradition, event details, and how you can bring your own Catrina to life on the runway — a tribute to beauty, creativity, and remembrance.

The Catrina fashion show is open to everyone who wishes to honor and learn about this beautiful Mexican tradition. Participants are encouraged to approach it with respect and appreciation — bringing to life the spirit of remembrance, love, and shared humanity that Día de los Muertos represents.

The Spirit of the Catrina

  • La Catrina, the elegant skull, was created by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada and later popularized by Diego Rivera.

    The Catrina, Mexico’s most iconic symbol of Día de los Muertos, reminds us that death is not the end, but a continuation of life’s journey. Born from José Guadalupe Posada’s famous illustration La Calavera Catrina, she represents dignity, equality, and the joy of celebrating our loved ones with elegance and humor.

  • Tarde de Catrinas: Runway & Contest
    Date: Sunday, November 2
    Time: 3:00–5:00 PM
    Location: elliestyled at 1900 Sheridan Rd, Highland Park, IL

    • Open to all ages: children, teens, and adults are welcome.

    • Participants must embody the spirit of La Catrina through costume, makeup, and attitude.

    • Traditional and creative interpretations are encouraged.

    • Participants must register in advance (see RSVP form below).

    • Check-in begins at 2:30 PM. The runaway show will start no later than 3:30 PM

    • Judging criteria include:

      • Creativity and originality

      • Cultural inspiration

      • Elegance and stage presence

      • Story or meaning behind your Catrina

  • Awards will be presented for Best Adult Catrina, Best Youth Catrina, and People’s Choice.

  • RSVP below to enter the Tarde de Catrinas Runway Contest.
    Design your Catrina look and share your story — your description will be read aloud as you walk the runway, celebrating who or what inspired your creation.
    Register now to secure your spot in the lineup. Space is limited, and all participants will receive a confirmation email with arrival time and detailed instructions.

(C) Portrait by DIANA GRAN PORTRAIS

“La muerte no nos roba la vida, nos enseña su valor.”


“Death doesn’t steal life from us — it teaches us its worth.”