In traditional Mexican culture, El Catrín is one of the most iconic figures from the Lotería — a symbolic card game often compared to bingo. Traditionally dressed to the nines in a black tuxedo and bow tie, El Catrín represents sophistication, elegance, and masculine poise. But in the Spanish Capsule™ collection by Cha, the interpretation takes an unexpected — and delightfully cheeky — turn.
A Bold New Take on a Classic Icon
In this reimagined version, El Catrín is no longer the refined gentleman of early 20th-century Mexico. Instead, he’s sun-soaked, barefoot, and proudly standing in his red speedo with a confident stance on a golden Mediterranean beach. The visual nods to masculinity remain — the firm posture, the square shoulders, the poised profile — but they’re infused with summer nonchalance and bold humor.
There’s even a hint of nostalgic whimsy in this depiction: a mix between a tin soldier and an off-duty Captain Haddock from Moulinsart, unwinding under the sun. Of course, it’s not him — but the resemblance in the bearded charm, strong build, and upright attitude feels like a knowing wink to comic lovers.
Aesthetics that Pop — Without Shouting
The artwork stands out with a warm, vintage color palette: sandy yellows, muted sky blues, and sun-faded reds that feel right at home in a beach house, modernist flat, or hotel suite. The grainy textures and antique frame lines echo the style of classic lotería cards while blending with contemporary aesthetics. This is not just a poster — it’s a conversation starter, full of layers, humor, and cultural reinterpretation.
Posture & Personality
El Catrín’s stance is stoic yet humorous, upright but not rigid. There’s something almost ceremonial in the way he stands, like a tin soldier brought to life, except here he’s not marching into war, but into waves. It’s this clever visual juxtaposition — tradition and playfulness, strength and softness — that gives the piece its depth and makes it resonate with today’s collectors and decorators.
Part of the Lotería Sitgetana Series
This modern Catrín is not a standalone piece. It’s one of the 48 symbolic cards from Cha’s Lotería Sitgetana, a vibrant series rooted in Sitges culture and humor. The project was born from a deep love for this Mediterranean town — its open-mindedness, its beaches, its people, and its joyous way of life. Each card is a fusion of local references, playful nods, and vintage aesthetics.
The two main posters — Lotería 24 and Lotería 25 — each bring together 16 different cards (including El Catrín), printed in limited editions of 300 copies max across all sizes (from S to 5XL). These posters are part of the Spanish Capsule™, a sub-collection of Myretroposter inspired by Spain’s visual culture, fiestas, and Mediterranean flair.
Why It Works So Well in Interior Design
Decorators and interior stylists love pieces like El Catrín because they mix vintage charm with a contemporary twist. It brings cultural substance and a smile in one glance — a rare combination. Whether framed as a solo piece or as part of a wall featuring multiple lotería cards, it injects character, color, and a sense of place.
Bonus? Posters are a budget-friendly way to create a high-impact design. And unlike mass-produced decorative prints from mainstream stores, these are limited editions — truly unique and globally collected.
A Final Word
Whether you're Mexican, Spanish, or simply a lover of bold, playful art with meaning, El Catrín by Cha is a modern-day classic. He may have traded in his tuxedo for a speedo, but he hasn't lost an ounce of his charisma. Just like Sitges itself, he's proud, free-spirited, and basking in his own version of elegance — under the sun.
