In the Bronx, NYC: Giant La Catrina and Skeleton Puppets Roam NYBG for Día de los Muertos

The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx is sending giant puppets of La Catrina and other skeletons through its grounds on Oct. 31, Nov. 1 and Nov. 2, from 1 to 5 p.m. each day. The procession is part of the Garden's Día de los Muertos celebration, and it is included with garden admission, with no separate ticket required.

The puppets are the work of Lucrecia Novoa, the internationally known artist behind Mascara Viva, who builds large-scale character puppets and uses masks, costumes, storytelling and dance to interpret traditions across cultures. Her hand-made La Catrina was created especially for NYBG, and visitors are invited to stop for photos and see the figures up close as they roam.

La Catrina began in the early 20th century as a satirical cartoon by the Mexican printmaker and illustrator José Guadalupe Posada. Titled "La Calavera Garbancera," it commented on the gap between social classes and drew on Mictecacihuatl, the Aztec goddess of death and Lady of Mictlan.

Other programs run alongside the puppets. On Oct. 31 and Nov. 2, from 1 to 5 p.m., teaching artist Blanka Amezkua leads papel picado and silk flower workshops, and the MAZarte Dance Company performs Mexican folk dances every half hour in select spots around the grounds. On Oct. 31 from 2 to 3 p.m., the Bronx Children's Museum hosts a storytime followed by clay alebrije making, recommended for ages 4 to 10. A Día de los Muertos parade is set for Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 p.m.

The wider celebration runs through Nov. 2 and includes marigolds, a community ofrenda where visitors can add a photo or written memory, and fall foliage. The Día de los Muertos trail and the Everett Children's Adventure Garden close at 5 p.m. on Nov. 1 and 2. Garden admission tickets are sold on the NYBG website.