What Message Is Written on Ernesto de la Cruz’s Statue in ‘Coco?’

November 1st is the first day of Dia de Los Muertos, and unfortunately fans of the tradition have a limited selection of movies to help celebrate the holiday. That said, it’s hard to complain when the limited fare includes classic Disney and Pixar volumes, Cocoa.

The vividly vivid episode is one of the best celebrations of life (and death) a viewer could ask for, and if that final musical number doesn’t leave you an emotional wreck, maybe it’s time to talk with a therapist. In addition to the gorgeous visuals and rhythmic beats, it also has one of the best villain types ever.

Ernesto de la Cruz is one dastardly musician, and his personal mantra is much more sinister than his simple statue suggests.

What is written on the statue of Ernesto de la Cruz?

“Seize your moment” seems almost like a ripoff of “Carpe Diem” at first glance, but the phrase leaves a bitter taste in the mouth when applied to Ernesto’s actions in Cocoa.

Throughout the film, Ernesto talks about his fame, emphasizing how he took control of his own destiny through action. He “seized his moment” several times, first by killing his partner, then by stealing his partner’s songs, and then by repeatedly cashing in on his moral high ground. He even took his moment to silence Miguel, telling him, “Success doesn’t come for free, Miguel. You have to be willing to do whatever it takes to seize your moments.”

We are all for practicing what you say, but we may not take things as seriously as Ernesto de la Cruz does.