La Catrina Tejana Honors Memory at Muertos Fest
Local nurse Anita Samaniego Avellana uses her annual festival persona to share a powerful message.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Hispanic
Anita Samaniego Avellana transforms into La Catrina Tejana at San Antonio's Muertos Fest to honor her late brother. Her appearance this year incorporates an important message regarding suicide prevention.
Why it matters
The annual tradition serves as a poignant tribute to her brother, who died on October 31, 2006, and was buried on Día de los Muertos. By integrating advocacy into her costume, she raises awareness for suicide prevention within the community.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the passing of Avellana's brother, who died on October 31, 2006. The elaborate look requires months of design planning and hours of detailed makeup application.
The players
Anita Samaniego Avellana
She is a local nurse who participates annually in San Antonio's Muertos Fest as La Catrina Tejana.
The details
Working as a nurse, Avellana dedicates months to planning her intricate costume designs and spends hours applying makeup to perfect the look of La Catrina Tejana. Her commitment to the role honors her family legacy while providing a platform for her public health message.
Timeline
October 31, 2006, marks the date her brother passed away.
2026 marks the 20th anniversary of his death.
Culture Shift
The tradition follows the established patterns of the Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos, where families use art and pageantry to honor those who have passed. This specific performance reflects a growing societal trend of blending traditional cultural memorials with modern advocacy.
Residents attending Muertos Fest in San Antonio may engage with the festival's commemorative displays and find resources related to Avellana's suicide prevention message. The appearance encourages participants to consider how they honor their own family legacies during the holiday.
The takeaway
Honoring deceased loved ones through public tradition can be a therapeutic way to process grief and loss. Integrating a cause like suicide prevention into memorial activities can also turn personal remembrance into a benefit for the wider public.
Further reading
Learn more about local cultural traditions in the Hispanic section of our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSAT.
