Barbie honours the Day of the Dead - 30th October 2020

Mexico erupts in a riot of colour and music every 2nd November to mark the Day of the Dead. Those who have passed are remembered as families congregate at tombs, honouring the deceased with offerings of favourite treats, tipples and blooms. Sweets are also a cornerstone of the festivities, as are the elaborate skull and skeleton motifs which adorn buildings and costumes.

A recent twist has seen Barbie join the Day of the Dead celebration.

Zoila Muntané, a Barbie devotee, is thrilled at a designer of Mexican descent being commissioned to develop the doll.

For toy aficionado Carlos Sandoval, the tradition's significance is only underscored by its embodiment in the doll.

Yet, sociologist Roberto Alvarez Manzo explains, dissenting voices question the motives behind the move, considering it exploitative to appropriate another's cultural heritage for commercial profit.

Regardless of these disputes, the Day of the Dead is universally held in high regard, even cited by UNESCO as an invaluable example of human culture and included on its register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.