Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a two-day holiday in Mexican culture where families honor their loved ones who have passed. One North Texas woman has made a name for herself as a master of Catrina artistry, a Día de los Muertos tradition.
Before Anel Anaya places the first rhinestone or even picks up a brush to create one of her Catrinas, “I dream, I dream, and that’s how I start getting creative,” she said.
She is known as the Alfa de las Catrinas.
“I was the first one to bring the Catrinas here to Dallas, Texas,” Anaya said.
Catrinas are a symbol of Día de los Muertos. On this day, families fill alters with the things their loved ones cherished in life.
“So with that and the flowers we bring them pretty much to join us for one whole day to spend time with us,” said Anaya.
On Día de los Muertos, Anaya transformed model Brisa Trejo into a Catrina that’s close to her heart.