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 originated in the early 1900s, around 1910, through the work of Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada. Decades later, Diego Rivera helped popularize the image in 1947, giving the Catrina greater visibility as a symbol of Mexican culture. Originally created as a form of social critique, the Catrina has evolved into a cultural icon representing elegance, remembrance, and the idea that, in death, social differences disappear and we are all equal.
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 brings together art, fashion, culture, and community to express the eternal bond between memory and creativity, while also creating opportunities to highlight and support local small businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and creators.
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
500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA 95053
Sunday, November 1, 2026 | 5 PM – 9 PM
Follow us at Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley to stay connected with our programs, artists, and cultural events.
A Look Back at Eternal Souls
Enjoy this short video from our 2025 production and experience some of the Catrinas, artistry, and special moments that helped bring Eternal Souls to life.
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Production & Creative Credits
Eternal Souls: The Art of the Catrina / Almas Eternas: El Arte de la Catrina
A production of Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley
In Collaboration With
FZ Productions
2026 Catrina Dress Designs
Anna Gia - International Fashion Designer
https://www.instagram.com/anagiamx
@anagiamx
Professional Make up team
Jztdiva Academy - Jazet Menjivar
https://www.facebook.com/Jztmua
https://www.instagram.com/jztdiva
Video Production & Editing
FZ Productions
Music - “La Bruja”
Performed by Larissa Ledesma / Larimuusic / @larimuusic
Used with permission
Artist YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@larimuusic