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Anna (Melendez) Johnson discusses the history and traditions of this important holiday celebration.

In this talk presented by Arizona native, former Bendite and Dia de los Muertos enthusiast Anna (Melendez) Johnson, discover the true meaning behind the traditions of this vibrant and colorful Latin American celebration honoring our beloved who are no longer with us. This is not worshipping the dead; this is a celebration of loved ones and their glorious contribution to who we are today.

Arizona native Anna Johnson became fascinated by the Dia de los Muertos celebration, regalia and makeup eight years ago when she lived in Oregon. When in college she performed pantomime professionally, so it is not surprising that Anna dresses up and attends Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Arizona. She has won contests for her Catrina look and enjoys taking photos with festival attendees.

Anna has attended Dia de los Muertos celebrations in Mesa and Sedona and looks forward to the day when we can all gather again to celebrate traditionally. An Arizona State University broadcast journalism graduate, Anna also studied theatre and public communications in college. With over 20 years of experience as a public information specialist and community theatre volunteer (on and off stage), Anna is at her best when learning about or visiting historic buildings and believes everything with age havalue and has a great story to tell. She currently lives in Goodyear, Arizona and is a writer and editor for the Arizona Game and Fish Department’s wildlife conservation magazine Arizona Wildlife Views.


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