Arizona Western hosts Catrinas Competition for students and locals
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Arizona Western College Catrina Competition brought together locals and students in celebration of DÃa de los Muertos, offering participants a unique way to honor loved ones who have passed away.
More than 20 competitors took part in the event, with a panel of six judges evaluating their work to select the winners. For many participants, the competition represented the culmination of weeks of preparation and creativity.
"It's actually super cool. I was super nervous," said competitor Lina Knepp, who handcrafted her entire outfit. "It's great to really be able to express my culture in this sort of public setting. I made the entire hat by hand, the whole dress by hand, and I did my own makeup."
The event holds deep cultural significance, commemorating those who are no longer with us as part of the traditional Mexican holiday DÃa de los Muertos.
San Luis Council Member and event judge Lizeth Servin shared her appreciation for the celebration, saying, "It's honoring and remembering, all the time, so it's really nice to see that we're free to express our feelings and our culture. I just love that."
Judges based their decisions on makeup, originality, creativity, and poise. The first-place winner received $400 and expressed joy after the announcement.
"I'm so happy," the winner said. "It's an honor for me to be a Catrina."
