A Frida Kahlo tribute on the waterfront
Named La Guardiana del Océano (Guardian of the Ocean), the figure wears a floral blouse over a black skirt and white underskirt. A shawl drapes across its back and over its arms, while a flower headdress and Kahlo's signature unibrow complete the tribute.
The surrounding installation includes a whale measuring 12 meters long, a dog standing 9 meters tall, a giant pan de muerto offering, oversized votive candles and nine floral crosses. Creating the installation involved 22 artists, artisans and specialists.
Elsewhere along the Malecón, 50 monumental catrina sculptures form the outdoor exhibition La orilla de las ánimas (Shore of Souls). Created by Mexican artists, local organizations and businesses, the works are on display from October 28 through November 3.
Free events across Jalisco
The giant Catrina belongs to the Festival de las Almas Jalisco 2026, organized by the Jalisco government through its Ministry of Tourism and State Entertainment Agency. From October 24 through November 15, the statewide festival offers more than 350 free public events in 11 municipalities.
Puerto Vallarta is the festival's only Pacific-coast host municipality. Its local program includes 28 free experiences running from October 31 through November 3. The celebrations mark Día de Muertos, which UNESCO recognizes as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
How this year's figure compares with past records
At 25 meters, the 2026 Catrina is shorter than Puerto Vallarta's 2023 Guinness World Record holder. That figure reached 28.15 meters and used the black, red and orange colors associated with Día de Muertos.
The city had also earned the Guinness title for tallest Calavera Catrina in 2022, when its 22.67-meter figure took inspiration from the Legend of La Llorona.
Mexico City's Zócalo Catrina surpassed Puerto Vallarta's November 3, 2023, record on October 29, 2026. Guinness World Records judge Alfredo Arista certified the new figure at 33.411 meters. Built by Taller de Arte Xibalbá with about 140 people, it honors José Guadalupe Posada.
Local preparations and the November 2 parade
Puerto Vallarta's holiday security operation began on the Malecón on October 30 and includes cemetery patrols. Health crews have also treated eight city cemeteries ahead of Día de Muertos as part of dengue prevention efforts. A Día de Muertos fair on Calle Abasolo is scheduled for November 1 from 6 to 11 p.m.
Organizers said the flagship November 2 parade in 2025 attracted more than 35,000 residents and visitors. This year's Grand Day of the Dead parade, La Marea de las Ánimas, is scheduled for November 2, departing from the 5 de Diciembre Municipal Cemetery at 5:30 p.m. and arriving at the Los Muertos Beach Pier around 8 p.m.
