A Monument to Memory and Culture
Standing tall at Legion Park, a 15-foot skeleton in a flowing red dress and wide-brimmed hat will welcome visitors to Woodburn’s Fiesta Mexicana this weekend. Her gown is adorned with black lace and roses, a nod to Portland, the city of roses. This striking figure is none other than La Catrina, a symbol of death that has become an iconic representation of Mexican culture.
La Catrina, known as “The Elegant Woman,” is deeply rooted in Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) traditions. She serves as a reminder that “what is remembered cannot die.” Esther Velázquez Loza, the artist behind this towering creation, explained the significance of her work: “When a person dies, people still remember them. That person doesn’t die. They die when the person has stopped thinking about them and remembering them.”
Originating from Mexican political satire, La Catrina has evolved into a global cultural icon. From her early days as a satirical character to the towering statues like the 92-foot figure in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, she continues to inspire and educate.
A Celebration of Heritage and Community
This weekend, visitors to Woodburn’s Fiesta Mexicana can explore the origins of La Catrina in Mexican culture. The exhibit is just one part of the annual festival, which has been a staple in Woodburn for over 60 years. The three-day event will feature a variety of artisans and food vendors from different parts of Mexico, fair rides, activities, live music, dance performances, and even soccer and pickleball tournaments.
The festival began as an end-of-harvest celebration in 1964 and has since become a vital part of the community. Maricela Guerrero, public information officer and communications manager for the city of Woodburn, shared how the event has grown: “It has become such a staple, celebrating one of those cultural mixes and diversities that we do have in this city. It represents our tradition, our culture, our language and it’s a great way to celebrate that.”
Velázquez Loza’s 15-foot statue carries a piece of Mexican tradition to the Pacific Northwest. Born in Ojo De Agua De Latillas, a small town in Jalisco, she was drawn to the symbolic meaning of La Catrina. For her, the statue is not only a tribute to loved ones who have passed but also a way to keep Mexican traditions alive far from home.
The Story Behind La Catrina
La Catrina was created by Mexican illustrator Jose Guadalupe Posada in the early 1900s as a satirical character representing high-society obsession with European customs. Later, she became the central image in Diego Rivera’s mural “Dream of a Sunday Afternoon in Alameda Park,” a painting that depicts a collection of important figures from Mexican history.
This weekend in Woodburn, La Catrina’s story will be told alongside the sounds of mariachi and the vibrant colors of folklorico skirts. Leading some of these performances is Rosa Floyd, a kindergarten teacher for Woodburn School District and dance instructor for Cosecha Mestiza.
Floyd founded the dance group 24 years ago, starting with six students. Today, the group includes 140 students from third grade all the way to high school, who perform baile folklórico, a traditional Mexican folk dance style. Cosecha Mestiza has performed all over the state, including for Woodburn Fiesta Mexicana, the Trail Blazers halftime show, and the Oregon House of Representatives.
“A lot of our kids in that district are never going to be able to go to Mexico,” Floyd said. “This is the way that they connect with their culture.”
A City Rooted in Diversity
The connection to culture runs deep in Woodburn, where over 60% of the city’s 26,013 residents identify as Latino, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. While many residents trace their roots to Mexico, there are also growing populations from Guatemala, El Salvador, and other Central American countries.
“Even though it might be called Fiesta Mexicana, I think it really does encompass many and just brings people together,” Guerrero said. “So for us to continue to do this is to continue to highlight, to showcase and to celebrate who we are.”
Plan Your Visit
If you’re planning to attend, here’s what you need to know: The event will take place from noon-11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 15; 10 a.m.-11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 16; and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 17. It will be held at Legion Park, located at 1385 Park Ave., Woodburn. Admission is free all day on Friday and until 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, with a $5 entry fee after 5 p.m.
