"The Catrinas are Coming" Workshop by Ana Elisa Romo

“The Catrinas are Coming” is a hands-on cartonería workshop led by artist and specialist Ana Elisa Romo. Teens and adults of all experience levels will create a four-foot-tall (1.3-meter) Catrina from the ground up over eight four-hour sessions. Participants will shape an original character, choosing its facial features, expression, hairstyle, clothing, hat, and decorative elements. No prior artistic experience is required.

The workshop also introduces the cultural history of the Catrina, from José Guadalupe Posada’s original figure, La Calavera Garbancera, to Diego Rivera’s depiction in *Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Central*. Every completed Catrina will be displayed at the Mexican Cultural Institute during its Día de Muertos Open House before participants take their creations home.

When: October 3–29, 2026

Showtimes: Group 1 meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00–10:00 PM, October 6–29, 2026. Group 2 meets Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00–4:00 PM, October 3–25, 2026.

Tickets: $400 per participant

Instructor: Ana Elisa Romo

Ages: Designed for teens and adults.

Experience: No previous artistic experience is necessary.

Languages: The workshop is conducted in Spanish and English.

Materials: The fee includes a wood base and structure, head mold, wire, newspaper, cardboard, papier-mâché paste, and acrylic paint.

Additional materials: Artificial flowers, feathers, headpieces, hats, jewelry, fabric, and rebozos are not included. Participants may bring or purchase these decorative materials based on their designs.

Capacity: Each group is limited to 20 participants.

Exhibition: All Catrinas made in the workshop will be exhibited at the Mexican Cultural Institute as part of its Día de Muertos Open House before being taken home by their creators.

Venue: Mexican Cultural Institute, 2829 16th Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20009.