Mattel has just released a limited-edition ‘Day of the Dead’ Barbie in celebration of the Mexican holiday Día de Muertos – but some critics are not happy with the doll.

The toy features ‘sugar skull’ face paint, a headdress and a black, floral, Mexican dress and is available to buy at Walmart, Target and Amazon.com for $75 (£60).

But some people have called out the brand accusing it of ‘cultural appropriation’.

‘Is this a bad joke or what?’ Tweeted one critic.


‘#Mattel toy company plans to release and promotion of a Day of the Dead Barbie… Día de los Muertos is one of our most sacred traditions in Mexico dating back to prehispanic days. STOP PRODUCTION!’



‘Cultural Appropriation Barbie is coming out soon,’ another added.

‘No! Day of the dead is a religious celebration for the indigenous ppl of Mexico. It is being used by Mattel or whatever corp. owns Barbie to make $. No one believes Ken & Barbie celebrate Day of the dead. Cultural appropriation at its worst!’ Tweeted another.

Día de Muertos, also known as the ‘Day of the Dead’, is a traditional holiday celebrated in Mexico where people honour the lives of loved ones who have died.

Some people think the doll is a positive celebration of this important cultural holiday.

‘I think it’s a wonderful tool for bringing our culture into our children’s everyday lives,’ said one.

‘Increase production. I would love to incorporate my heritage with raising my daughters. There aren’t enough toys that tie in with belief systems, ethics and morals. This is a great step forward,’ added someone else.’

So the doll is already proving controversial. It certainly hasn’t gone down as well as Barbie’s Rosa Parks doll which was released last month as part of the company’s inspiring women range.

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