By Anna Ortega
September 18, 2026
For sweet tooth enthusiasts and admirers of Mexican artistic heritage alike, a newly viral creation in Mexico City is offering a unique intersection of culinary art and cultural tradition. A local artisanal paletería has captured the attention of social media users across the globe by transforming one of Mexico’s most recognizable cultural icons—La Catrina—into a colorful, handcrafted frozen dessert.
Ts’unu’um Paleterias, a specialty shop known for its innovative frozen treats and traditional paletas, has seen a surge in online popularity following the introduction of its Catrina-shaped ice cream. The striking dessert serves as a playful and visually arresting tribute to Mexican culture, blending traditional iconography with modern culinary creativity. As videos of the intricately molded ice cream circulate widely on digital platforms, locals and tourists alike have flocked to the shop to witness the edible artwork firsthand and sample its distinctive flavors.
The establishment, which has built a reputation for elevating classic Mexican paletas using fresh, natural ingredients, has managed to turn a symbol traditionally associated with the Day of the Dead and Mexican satire into a refreshing daytime indulgence. Customers visiting the shop can order the elaborate Catrina-shaped treat served either in a traditional cone or a convenient bowl. To match the vibrant aesthetic of the figure, the shop offers the creation in a variety of popular flavors, including rich chocolate, earthy taro, and the beloved traditional dessert-inspired flavor known as beso de ángel, which translates to angel’s kiss.
Beyond its headline-grabbing Catrina creation, Ts’unu’um Paleterias features a diverse and extensive menu designed to cater to a wide range of palates. The shop’s whimsical approach to frozen desserts is further highlighted by other novelty shapes, such as duck-shaped ice cream that has also begun making rounds on social media for its charm. In addition to these sculptural treats, the menu boasts a comprehensive selection of traditional paletas that celebrate classic Mexican flavor profiles. Options range from fruity and refreshing selections like guava, tamarindo, and mango-chamoy to comforting, dairy-rich staples such as horchata, tres leches, and arroz con leche.
Despite the intricate detail and artisanal nature of the products, the pricing remains accessible to everyday consumers. Treats at the paletería typically range from 35 to 50 Mexican pesos, ensuring that both local residents and curious visitors can enjoy the high-quality, natural ingredients without breaking the bank. The commitment to using fresh produce and authentic components has been a cornerstone of the business, helping it stand out in Mexico City’s fiercely competitive culinary landscape.
The deep cultural roots of the shop extend even to its identity and branding. According to the owner, the name Ts’unu’um is derived from a Mayan word for the hummingbird—specifically variations like "tzuzun" or "ts’unu’um." This indigenous inspiration is visibly woven into the identity of the business, most notably through its official logo, which features a hummingbird gracefully carrying a paleta. By combining Mayan linguistic heritage with quintessential Mexican treats and iconic imagery like La Catrina, the paletería creates a holistic celebration of Mexican history and culture through food.
With its playful, photogenic shapes and a wide-ranging menu of traditional and inventive flavors, Ts’unu’um Paleterias offers plenty of reasons for dessert lovers to stop by. However, among the colorful array of paletas and novelty creations, its meticulously crafted Catrina sculpture remains the crown jewel—serving up a sweet tribute that honors a monumental piece of Mexican heritage in the most unexpected of ways.
