By Anna Ortega
September 18, 2026 – 12:13
For lovers of sweet treats and rich cultural icons alike, a creative new dessert experience is taking social media by storm in the heart of Mexico City. A local artisanal paletería has successfully captured the imagination of food enthusiasts both online and offline by transforming one of Mexico’s most revered cultural symbols, La Catrina, into a colorful, edible frozen masterpiece. The imaginative creation has quickly become a viral sensation, drawing crowds of curious locals and tourists eager to experience a playful and delicious tribute to Mexican heritage.
Ts’unu’um Paleterias, an artisanal shop renowned for its dedication to traditional Mexican paletas and innovative frozen treats, is at the center of this culinary buzz. The establishment is rapidly gaining online attention and widespread acclaim for its meticulously crafted Catrina-shaped ice cream. This unique offering bridges the gap between traditional iconography and modern dessert art, serving as a delightful, edible homage to the elegant skeleton figure historically associated with the Day of the Dead, yet celebrated year-round as a cornerstone of Mexican identity.
The process of bringing the iconic figure to life in frozen form has resonated deeply with patrons who appreciate food that tells a story. Customers visiting the shop can order the striking Catrina-shaped treat served either in a crisp waffle cone or a convenient bowl, depending on their preference. To complement the artistic presentation, the shop offers a curated selection of rich flavors for the Catrina creation, most notably including classic chocolate, earthy taro, and the beloved traditional flavor known as beso de ángel, or angel’s kiss.
While the Catrina creation serves as the current crown jewel of their menu and the primary driver of their recent digital fame, Ts’unu’um Paleterias is far from a one-trick pony. The shop maintains an extensive and diverse selection of traditional paletas and novelty desserts that showcase the rich agricultural bounty and culinary traditions of Mexico. Among these offerings is another whimsical shape: a charming duck-shaped ice cream that appeals to younger visitors and those with a penchant for playful presentation.
Furthermore, the paletería’s broader menu reads like a celebration of classic Mexican flavors. Customers can choose from an array of traditional paleta varieties crafted with care, including refreshing guava, creamy horchata, decadent tres leches, comforting arroz con leche, tangy tamarindo, and the perennial favorite combination of sweet mango paired with spicy chamoy. Each option reflects the shop’s commitment to honoring authentic taste profiles while maintaining high standards of quality in the preparation of every frozen dessert.
Despite the artisanal nature of the products and their newfound viral status, Ts’unu’um Paleterias remains remarkably accessible to the local community. Prices for these creative frozen treats range from 35 to 50 pesos, ensuring that both everyday neighborhood residents and curious travelers can partake in the culinary experience without breaking the bank. This commitment to fair pricing is matched by an unwavering dedication to the quality of the ingredients used in the kitchen. According to the owner, every item on the menu is crafted exclusively with fresh, natural ingredients, avoiding artificial shortcuts in favor of authentic flavors that highlight the natural essence of the fruits and components used.
The shop’s identity is deeply rooted in local culture and language, starting with its distinctive name. According to the owner, the business is named after a traditional Mayan word for the hummingbird, pronounced as "tzuzun" or "ts’unu’um." This graceful and energetic bird not only provided the linguistic inspiration for the storefront but also shaped its visual branding. The paletería’s official logo features a charming hummingbird actively carrying a paleta, symbolizing a swift and sweet connection to nature, tradition, and the vibrant energy of Mexico City.
With its playful, culturally significant shapes, commitment to natural ingredients, and an expansive menu that spans from traditional fruit paletas to avant-garde character ice creams, Ts’unu’um Paleterias offers an abundance of options for anyone looking to satisfy a sweet tooth while exploring local culinary artistry. Yet, even among the diverse array of colorful treats available at the counter, the shop’s intricately designed Catrina creation stands out as perhaps the sweetest and most visually striking tribute of all. As images and videos of the frozen icon continue to circulate across digital platforms, the burning question remains for dessert lovers across the city and beyond: Would you order one?
