By: Jeanette Hernandez
From America Ferrera to the New Juan Gabriel-Inspired Figure, Here Are Five Barbies That Pay Tribute to Our Latin Icons
Barbie is increasingly reflecting our Latin community. From Honduran-American actress America Ferrera’s Barbie to the newest Juan Gabriel-inspired doll, our Latin culture is finally showcased through these iconic figures – and we love seeing it.
Barbie’s first doll was revealed on March 9, 1959, during the New York Toy Fair. Since then, we’ve seen countless versions of the doll, featuring careers like journalist, firefighter, surgeon, and many more. Most recently, the power of the Barbie brand was evident in last year’s blockbuster Barbie (2023), starring Australian actress Margot Robbie and Honduran-American actress America Ferrera.
With such a massive empire, it makes sense that the Barbie world would also embrace our Latin heritage. This journey began with the Teresa model in 1988. Fast forward to today, and we see many Latin tributes, including those honoring celebrities and celebrating popular Latin traditions.
From Ferrera’s Barbie to the newest Juan Gabriel-inspired figure, here are five dolls that pay tribute to our Latin greats:
Ferrera not only starred in last year’s Barbie film but also received her own Barbie. As part of the Mattel celebration, dolls were designed after the film’s characters – but for Latinos, it meant so much more. This marked the first time a Barbie was modeled after a Honduran-American woman.
“She’s the first Barbie doll fashioned after a Honduran-American woman to ever exist,” Ferrera said in an interview. “That’s really special, to know that no one had a Honduran Barbie doll to play with until now.”
Check out Ferrera’s Barbie details here.
Another great Latina with her own Barbie is Cuban-American singer Gloria Estefan. Her Barbie commemorates her 1989 smash hit “Get on Your Feet.”
“I’m honored to be partnering with Barbie to create a doll in my likeness, especially as I ring in my 65th birthday and right ahead of Hispanic Heritage Month,” Estefan said in a press statement. “When designing my Barbie with the team, I wanted to ensure I stayed true to my multicultural roots – and I believe we did just that.”
Check out Estefan’s Barbie details here.
Another icon with her own Barbie is Cuban singer Celia Cruz! Cruz’s doll is part of The Barbie Inspiring Women series.
“This collectible Barbie doll commemorates Celia Cruz, whose award-winning career spanned over 60 years and includes 75 albums and 23 gold records,” the official website reads. “She celebrated her Afro-Cuban heritage and culture through salsa music, receiving the President’s National Medal of Arts award in addition to lifetime achievement honors from the music industry.”
Check out Cruz’s Barbie details here.
Believe it or not, Brazilian gymnast Rebeca Andrade also has her own Barbie! Although it appears the doll isn’t for sale, it’s still great to see her profession immortalized.
“I never imagined that one day I could be Barbie! It’s an honor to have been chosen alongside such big names in sports by @barbie to be honored as a Role Model on @TAG’s 65th anniversary,” Andrade wrote online. “And even more, what this means to so many girls who may one day be inspired by my story and move forward, knowing they can be whatever they choose to be. For me, this tribute represents achievement, dream, and a leap of faith ❤️.”
One of Mexico’s greatest composers and singers is now part of the Barbie world. Barbie released a Juan Gabriel-inspired doll, dressed in his iconic 1990 El Palacio de Bellas Artes outfit. The new doll is part of the Barbie Signature collection.
“Juanga forever 💛 Barbie honors the legendary Juan Gabriel, whose prolific career changed music and Latin American pop culture forever,” the company wrote online. “Dazzling in a look inspired by the icon’s charismatic and colorful mariachi outfits, the doll pays tribute to Juan Gabriel’s inimitable sense of style and love for his native Mexico.”
Check out Juanga’s Barbie details here.
About the author: Jeanette Hernandez
Jeanette Hernandez is a music enthusiast based in Los Angeles, CA. She's currently a freelance writer and content creator for Remezcla, Brilla Latina, and more. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a seasoned bilingual Latin indie music publicist. You can find her musings via Instagram + Twitter: @jeanettehndz
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