SAN ANGELO – When six-year-old Rae Ann Rodriguez was asked by master of ceremonies, Raymond Rivas “Who are you honoring today? The six-year who attends Cornerstone Christian, confidently made it clear. “My cat.”
Rivas should have seen it coming what Rae Ann would say to the follow-up question. Is there anyone else you wanted to honor? Rae Ann succinctly said, “No!” The attendees ALL busted out laughing.
What do you love about the Día de los Muertos? My blood, my family, my history, and my heart, I am Mexican.” Rae Ann said she was reminded though past loved ones no longer walked beside her, “I carry them in my heart with every step I take. Viva la Raza” The six-year-old precocious girl shouted joyfully.
Rodriguez’ second consecutive year as the 1^st place winner in the Día De Los Muertos’ Children’s Division was judged in three categories with two additional ones being external.
Rae Ann was judged on creativity, aesthetic, and attitude. Rae Ann’s mom, Deziree Rios told Flaco Guapo Media the creativity design for the Catrina dress included photos of her daughter’s grandfather, grandmother, uncle, and her dog. Also uniquely embroidered into the dress were the Spanish words, “La familia es todo” which means Family is everything.
Rae Ann’s contribution input on her Catrina dress included tortillas, also on the front bottom of the dress were little enchiladas, and Lotería which is a traditional Mexican board game of chance, similar to bingo, but played with a deck of cards instead of numbered balls. Deziree chose the pretty color pink because she wanted that particular color to stand out.
As for those two external factors, Rae Ann stole the hearts, and affections of the attendees with her precocious personality, and confidence.
“Thank you all for everyone coming out to support us, said Deziree who gave a shoutout to all Rae Ann’s fanbase which consisted of other family members, and friends. We truly, truly appreciate it from the bottom of our hearts.”
Below are the names of the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd place winners in the Children’s Division 14-under.
1^st-place, Rae Ann Rodgriguez and awarded a Día de los Muertos doll.
2^nd-place, Mylena Navarro.
3^rd-place, Karlee Acosta.
The names of the winners in the age 15-and above included:
3^rd-place, Irene Garcia.
2^nd-place, Anna Lee Rivera.
1^st place, Ester Garcia
In the Adult Division, the 1^st place winner was Aracely Marquez.
This year’s 2026 six distinguished judges included: Lauren Lopez Hogeda CEO of La Sirena’s Cocktails, Jeremy Bartz, CEO of San Angelo Chamber of Commerce, Monica Ramos, Downtown San Angelo Executive Director, Lauren Barron, Tom Green County Clerk, and Jessenia Rodríguez.
The DDLM Catrina Contest final was held from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Bart Dewitt Park, 325 S. Oakes