SAN ANGELO – The 2025, 1st place award winner in the Adult Division of the Día de los Muertos Catrina Contest, Miss Ashley María, was asked by Manny Campos, President of the San Angelo Hispanic Heritage Museum & Cultural Center, why she loved the Day of the Dead celebration.
Ashley stated she was proud of her Mexican culture. As for the red color she chose, it was in honor of the strong Latina women in her family.
On a late Saturday afternoon, November 1, Campos, who served as master of ceremonies, announced the 1st-place, 2nd-place, and 3rd-place winners in both the Adult and Children categories.
Adults
1st place – Ashely María, $1,000
2nd place – Maria La Catrina, $350
3rd place – Karina Esperanza, $150
Children
1st place – Rae Ann Rodriguez, DDLM Barbie
2nd place – Karlee Faith Acosta, Gift Certificate
3rd place – Mylena Navarro, Gift Certificate
https://www.sanangelohispanicheritage.org/
The 5-panel of judges included: Romana R. Gonzalez (Migrant Program), Alma Velez (KIXY FM), Rick Andrews (KIXY FM), Ashley Perales (Pop of Color owner), and Dr. Aldo Piñon (Angelo State University Associate Professor, Department of Engineering).
All the contestants were judged based on five categories:
Creativity & Originality – Uniqueness of concept, imaginative interpretation, personal or artistic style
Cultural Representation – Respectful, and 1-10 accurate reflection of Día de los Muertos, and La Catrina’s symbolism
Craftsmanship & Detail – Quality of materials, attention to detail, neatness, and overall process
Costume Design – Use of color, traditional elements (such as marigolds, skulls, lace), V (accessories)
Storytelling – A brief explanation or shared background, and how well it enhances the piece
Two awards were given out. The first one, Food Truck Vendors’ winner for the third year in a row, went to Lupita’s Taqueria.
The Best Booth Vendor award winner, announced as Ashley Gonzalez, owner of Lux Tooth Gems.
The Day of the Dead Mexican event at Bart Dewitt Park, 325 S. Oakes, was held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 1, 2025.