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Colorful and culturally rich, ofrendas are a central component of Dia de los Muertos.

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Each year people of Mexican heritage gather to celebrate Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead, Oct. 31 to Nov. 2. This is a time to remember loved ones who have passed before us, spiritually welcoming them back to earth for a brief time of tradition, song, dance and sabrosa comida (delicious food!) A colorful and culturally rich part of the celebration is the handcrafted ofrenda or alter that is set up in homes or at the place where loved ones are buried – in local cemeteries. This presentation by La Catrina Productions will explain what an ofrenda is, how to build a small or large ofrenda and what purpose the tradition serves. All are welcome to celebrate! We hope you join us, and we look forward to sharing this beautiful Mexican tradition with you.

Arizona native Anna (Melendez) Johnson loves the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration. The annual holiday brings joy to her heart as it honors the lives of friends and family who have passed before us. Each year she dresses in full “La Catrina” costume and self-created makeup and attends Dia de los Muertos celebrations across Arizona. She has won contests for her Catrina look and enjoys taking photos with festival attendees.

Anna hopes her research and passion for the elements and celebrations surrounding the Dia de los Muertos helps you to understand the holiday as it celebrates life, not death.

A broadcast journalism graduate at Arizona State University, Anna also studied theatre and public communications. With over 20 years of experience as a public information professional 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 has value 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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