September 18, 2026 – 12:13
For lovers of sweet treats and Mexican cultural icons alike, a creative new dessert experience is turning heads in the heart of Mexico City. A local artisanal paletería has captured the imagination of dessert enthusiasts and online audiences by transforming one of the nation’s most recognizable symbols, La Catrina, into a colorful, frozen culinary creation.
Ts’unu’um Paleterias, a specialty shop renowned for its handcrafted frozen treats and traditional paletas, has quickly gone viral on social media for its innovative Catrina-shaped ice cream. The striking dessert serves as a playful, refreshing tribute to Mexican heritage, blending traditional iconography with modern artisanal dessert artistry.
The striking visual appeal of the Catrina-shaped ice cream has made it an instant favorite among patrons looking for something both delicious and culturally resonant. Customers visiting the shop can order the intricate Catrina-shaped treat served either in a cone or a bowl, depending on their preference. To complement the visual artistry, the shop offers a diverse selection of rich flavors for the base, including decadent chocolate, earthy taro, and the nostalgic, creamy notes of beso de ángel.
Beyond its famous Catrina creation, Ts’unu’um Paleterias offers a wide array of imaginative and traditional options that keep customers coming back. Among its other whimsical offerings is a charming duck-shaped ice cream, which has also proven popular with visitors of all ages. The shop boasts an extensive selection of traditional paletas, drawing on classic Mexican flavor profiles made with high-quality ingredients. Customers can choose from refreshing fruit and cream varieties such as guava, horchata, tres leches, arroz con leche, tamarindo, and mango-chamoy, ensuring that there is a flavor profile to suit every palate.
Operating with a commitment to quality and accessibility, the shop prices its creations between 35 and 50 pesos, making artisanal treats available to a wide audience. Every item is crafted using fresh, natural ingredients, reflecting a dedication to authentic flavors that elevate the traditional paleta experience.
The identity of the shop is deeply rooted in indigenous culture and nature. According to the owner, the name Ts’unu’um is derived from a Mayan word for hummingbird—variations of which include "tzuzun" or "ts’unu’um." This inspiration extends directly to the establishment’s visual branding, featuring a distinctive logo that depicts a hummingbird carrying a paleta, symbolizing lightness, sweetness, and a connection to the natural world.
With its playful shapes, vibrant colors, and wide-ranging flavor profiles, Ts’unu’um Paleterias offers plenty of reasons for dessert lovers to stop by and explore its menu. Yet, among its diverse offerings, its meticulously crafted Catrina creation stands out as perhaps the sweetest tribute of all to Mexican tradition. For anyone visiting the capital with a sweet tooth and an appreciation for culture, the question remains: would you order one?
