Honoring Life, Memory, and Culture
Every year, millions of families in Mexico and across the world build altares de muertos to honor those who came before us. This tradition is one of love, remembrance, and celebration — a moment to feel
the presence of our loved ones once more.
At Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley, we celebrate this heritage by blending two of the most iconic symbols of Día de los Muertos — the altar and the Catrina — through our cultural production,
Eternal Souls, The Art of the Catrina.
The Altar: A Bridge Between Worlds
The altar (or ofrenda) is the heart of the Día de los Muertos tradition.
It represents the bridge that connects the world of the living and
the world of the departed.
Each element has a special meaning:
Marigold flowers (cempasúchil):
Guide spirits back with their color and scent.
Candles:
Light the way home.
Photos:
Remind us of those we honor.
Food and drinks:
Offerings to welcome their souls.
Sugar skulls:
Joyful symbols of life and death intertwined.
Building an altar is an act of memory and love — a way to keep our ancestors close and to celebrate that life continues through remembrance.
The Catrina: The Art of Elegance and Identity
The Catrina was created in the early 1900s by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada and later popularized by Diego Rivera. Originally a symbol of social critique, the Catrina has become a cultural icon that embodies both the elegance
and equality of death.
Today...
She represents more than art — she reflects the resilience, identity, and creativity of Mexican culture. Through fashion, color, and expression, the Catrina tells stories of pride, transformation, and timeless beauty.
Eternal Souls is a production created by Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley to honor these intertwined traditions. It unites art, fashion, and culture to express the eternal bond between memory and creativity.
The show features the extraordinary designs of Ana Gia, an internationally recognized designer from Michoacán, Mexico, whose work has been showcased in France, Belgium, and across Europe. Her Catrina designs blend Mexican heritage and high fashion, bringing the essence of Día de los Muertos to life on stage.
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Presented as part of Santa Clara University’s Camino de Muertos celebration, this production invites audiences to experience the beauty, emotion, and pride of our culture — reminding us that every altar, every Catrina, and every soul
tells a story that never fades.
Learn More and Join the Celebration
Discover the meaning behind these traditions, explore the art of the Catrina, and learn how communities keep these practices alive across generations.
Santa Clara University
Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
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