**Pink Coffins with Barbie Linings: A Unique Funeral Trend in El Salvador**
A funeral home in El Salvador has embraced the Barbie mania by offering pink coffins with Barbie linings, allowing Barbie fans to express their love for the iconic doll even after death. The Alpha and Omega Funeral Home, located in the city of Ahuachapán near the Guatemala border, has introduced this novelty to cater to the growing demand for unique funeral arrangements. The coffin’s exteriors are made of pink metal, while the interiors feature cloth linings adorned with pictures of Barbie and decorated with little white stars. This article explores the rise of this trend and its cultural significance in El Salvador and Latin America.
**The Rise of the Pink Coffins With Barbie Linings**
The owner of the Alpha and Omega Funeral Home, Isaac Villegas, revealed that the option of pink coffins had been available even before the premiere of the Barbie movie in July. However, the surge in Barbie mania across Latin America inspired him to enhance the design of the coffins by incorporating images of the beloved doll. Villegas said, “We have to jump on this trend,” and it turned out to be a success. The funeral home has already sold 10 pink coffins, although not all 10 have been used for actual burials, as many individuals in El Salvador purchase prepaid burial packages.
Until a year ago, traditional coffin colors like brown, black, white, or gray were the preferred choice of families in El Salvador. However, a significant shift occurred when a family requested a pink coffin for their deceased relative who was known for their joyful nature. This unique request marked a turning point for Villegas, who now plans to continue offering pink coffins due to the increasing demand.
**Barbie Mania in Latin America**
The popularity of Barbie has extended beyond the realm of toys, infiltrating various aspects of Latin American culture. Latin American countries have embraced Barbie mania by introducing pink-colored tacos and pastries, commercial planes featuring the Barbie logo, political advertisements, and even Barbie-themed protests.
One notable demonstration took place in the main square of Lima, Peru’s capital, during which anti-government protesters dressed two women in pink and placed them inside giant Barbie boxes. This act aimed to protest against President Dina Boluarte and her administration, which has been marred by frequent clashes between the police and protesters.
In Mexico, a sister of one of the country’s 112,000 missing people began sewing doll outfits to create a “Searching Mother” Barbie. This Barbie represents the volunteers who tirelessly search for gravesites across Mexico’s plains, hoping to find clues that might lead to the recovery of their children’s remains. Delia Quiroa, the creator of the Searching Mother Barbie, intends to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles faced by these mothers, who have taken it upon themselves to carry out the searches and investigations that the police have failed to do.
**Conclusion**
The funeral home in El Salvador offering pink coffins with Barbie linings is a unique response to the widespread Barbie mania in Latin America. This trend allows Barbie enthusiasts to display their allegiance to the iconic doll even in death. The rise of pink coffins and other Barbie-themed endeavors highlights the influence and cultural significance of Barbie in the region. As this trend continues to gain momentum, funeral homes may find themselves catering to more personalized and unconventional funeral arrangements, providing individuals with the opportunity to express their identities and passions, even in their final resting place.
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