Autumn in Barcelona has that melancholic air of dry leaves and the approaching cold, but there are days when the city decides to dress itself in vibrant colors and celebrate how memory keeps those who are no longer with us close at hand. That is the spirit that will take over the center of the Catalan capital with the 2026 edition of the Catrinas Parade, one of the most anticipated events of the season, which perfectly blends the depth of the Mexican Day of the Dead tradition with the festive pulse of Barcelona.
The event will take place on November 2, beginning at 12:00 p.m. at the entrance to the Teatre Poliorama (La Rambla, 115). From there, the sea of skulls will make its way down the iconic boulevard until it reaches, around 1:00 p.m., the esplanade of the Centre d’Art Santa Mònica. It is at this final destination that the parade will culminate with the highly anticipated awards ceremony for the official costume contest.
Elegance, Exuberance, and Skulls
Although the classic image dictates that the Catrinas should parade in extremely elegant and formal attire, this year the organizers are calling for freedom. The invitation is clear: let your creativity, imagination, and a touch of madness guide you when putting together your costume.
For those who decide to compete, the contest will feature three main categories: children’s, adult, and group. An independent jury will closely scrutinize the participants to evaluate the makeup, costumes, and originality of each entry. At the end of the day, special awards will be presented for the best Catrina, the most original entry, and the best couple. Of course, if competition isn’t your thing, you can join the parade in any costume you like or simply stop by to enjoy the visual spectacle and Mexican music that will fill the street.
How to sign up for the parade
If you want to take an active part in the contest and secure a spot before the judges, the process is very straightforward. All you need to do is register by sending an email to mexcat.org@gmail.com. In your message, you should explain what your costume will look like and which elements stand out most in your characterization.
Official participation requires a registration fee of 4 euros for children and 8 euros for adults. It’s a small step toward immersing yourself in one of the liveliest, most emotional, and flower-filled mornings of autumn in Barcelona.
