Valley of Catrinas in Atlixco: A stunning Day of the Dead experience in Puebla

Photo: Shutterstock

Every autumn, Puebla bursts into color with the flor de cempasuchil (marigold) fields of Cholula and Atlixco. But in recent years, this Pueblo Magico has added a new attraction that has quickly become a tradition: the Valle de las Catrinas (Valley of the Catrinas), a monumental cultural experience. In 2025, the event paid tribute to traditional Mexican trades.

In its fifth edition, the celebration showcased 24 giant skull sculptures—14 displayed at Atlixco’s most iconic landmarks, and the rest exhibited in Mexico City, and even in Times Square, Harvard, and Rome.

These monumental sculptures, created by local artists and emerging talent, bring life to plazas and gardens filled with marigolds and deep purple velvet flowers. Each Catrina tells a story: the Catrina Obrera honors women’s legacy in the textile industry; the Catrin Panadero celebrates the craft of artisanal breadmaking; and figures like the Weaver, the Tortilla Maker, and the Shoeshiner represent trades kept alive by the hands that shape and preserve tradition.

The giant skulls of the Valley of the Catrinas are scattered throughout Atlixco during the entire Day of the Dead season in places like the town square, Parque de los Arcos, and Cerro de San Miguel.

You’ll admire these towering installations from ground level, surrounded by orange marigolds or the velvety purple blooms that adorn altars in every home. Whether arranged in fields or in pots, these handmade pieces seem to rise from the flowers themselves, ready to join the Day of the Dead festivities and capturing the attention of thousands of visitors who come to Puebla in search of a unique experience.

Photo: Shutterstock

The theme selected for this edition adds a distinctive charm to the already picturesque town—famous for its Christmas Villa Iluminada and for its proximity to the Popocatépetl volcano.

To locate each of the monumental skulls, you can use the interactive map installed in the heart of this Magic Town (Pueblo Magico), at the Municipal Palace.
Once you’ve explored it—and admired the palace’s architecture, reminiscent of sugar-paste confectionery—you can set off on the full route and enjoy everything Atlixco has to offer.

Photo: Ayuntamiento de Atlixco

The Valley of the Catrinas is just minutes from your hotel

If you thought visiting a Pueblo Magico meant a long road trip, think again. From Camino Real Angelópolis, you’ll be just over 30 minutes away from Atlixco.
The hotel’s convenient location near the exit from Puebla city—the state’s financial and business hub—makes it the perfect place to stay whether you're traveling for work or exploring nearby towns.

Exceptional service is a hallmark not only of this hotel and its restaurant and bar, La Huerta and Blue Bar, but of the entire Grupo Camino Real chain, including Quinta Real Puebla. Located a few minutes farther from Atlixco and the Valley of the Catrinas, also places you at the heart of Puebla’s Day of the Dead celebrations, thanks to its privileged location in the city center.

Comfort, well-being, and adventure are guaranteed when you stay at Grupo Camino Real, a hotel brand known for personalized service and professionalism.

Don’t miss the chance to visit the Valley of the Catrinas in Atlixco, Puebla.