Barbie released a “Day of the Dead” doll with traditional La Catrina dressing to celebrate the Mexican holiday.
It is speculated to have a retail price around $75.
According to Mattel, the limited-edition Barbie is meant to pay tribute “to Mexico, its party, its symbols, and its people.” The toy is dressed in a long black dress with flowers embroidered on it.
Having butterflies in the hair and Mexican traditional skull makeup, the toy is designed to be close to La Catrina, created by Mexican cartoonist José Guadalupe Posada in 1912.
The multi-day holiday known as Day of the Dead is celebrated from October 31 to November 2 all across Mexico, as well as by the Mexicans living all around the world.
The holiday is based on getting together with family and friends in order to remember the deceased loved ones. The proceedings incorporate a number of unique Mexican traditions.
The significance of this holiday can be judged from the fact that the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized it as a historically and culturally notable event.
A spokesman for Mattel said: “The final touch is completed by a crown with the iconic monarch butterflies and the cempasuchil flower to honor, above all, the symbols and offerings of this emblematic Mexican tradition.”
Javier Meabe, the artist behind the design of the doll, said that he wants the doll to “further expand awareness about the Day of the Dead and introduce the tradition to homes and families.”
“Being Mexican American, I know how important this tradition is and the responsibility involved in representing this culture, so it wasn’t taken lightly,” he added.
“I just hope people know how much love we put on this doll and how much respect we have for the Day of the Dead.
“It is a great honor for me to have designed the first collectible doll alluding to the Day of the Dead, which has a great place in my heart. And I am very excited that people have this doll.”
However, not everyone has liked Mattel’s idea of Day of the Dead Barbie.
A social media user said: “Is this a bad joke or what? #Mattel toy company plans the release and promotion of a Day of the Dead barbie… Dia de los Muertos is one of our most sacred traditions in Mexico dating back to pre-Hispanic days. STOP PRODUCTION!”
Some people have reservations regarding the cost of the doll. A social media user posted: “I really want the Day of the dead Barbie but 75? That’s messed up, why are they exploiting the culture.”
Mattel previously released a doll to pay tribute to the famous Mexican artist Frida Kahlo in its Inspiring Women series.
Replaced!