Catrinas of Mexico on the Day of the Dead

La Catrina has become an iconic part of the Day of the Dead since it was introduced in 1910 by printmaker José Guadalupe Posada. Each November 2 students from the local preparatory high school in Chapala, Jalisco, set up dozens of elaborate altars for an entire block. The altars are not for friends or family, but important figures out of Mexican history, from heroes of the Revolution to the slain American star Selena. Some well-known local business owners and personalities are also honored, along with some international people, such as Humphrey Bogart or Nelson Mandela. Many of the altars come with students dressed as catrinas of the deceased, and several thousand people from Chapala and the nearby villages come to hear them recite their life story. Students get graded by teachers and winners are decided at the end of the night. These photos were taken on three Days of the Dead between 2014 and 2016.