The 2026 Mariachi Festival will take place Aug. 28-30, 2026, at
Wortham Theater in downtown Houston, bringing together music lovers and families for a
three-day celebration of mariachi music and Hispanic culture. One of the festival’s most
anticipated highlights will feature the winners of the 2026 Catrina/Catrin Competition,
showcasing the beautiful costumes inspired by Mexican culture.
“The Catrina and Catrin Competition celebrates the beauty of Mexican culture through creativity, tradition, and artistic expression,” says Belinda Mendez-Luna, Mariachi Festival board member. “Each participant honors the legacy of La Catrina while helping preserve our heritage and inspiring future generations to keep our traditions alive.”
About the Winners Catrina Goddess of Fire - Inspired by Chantico, the Aztec Goddess of Fire, this breathtaking Catrina creation embodies the eternal flame that lives within our culture, our ancestors, and the traditions we continue to honor. The dress comes alive in powerful shades of fire, symbolizing passion, strength, transformation, and the guiding light that preserves the memories of those who came before us. The majestic headdress serves as the centerpiece of the costume—an elaborate crown adorned with elegant peacock feathers that radiate outward like the sun, giving her a goddess-like presence. Her intricate sugar skull makeup transforms her face into a beautiful calavera, accented with turquoise around the eyes. Handmade, hand-painted, and beautifully detailed by Jennifer Cisneros, this creation stands as a reminder that even after life ends, love, family, and memories continue to burn forever.
Catrin Angel Hadad - This costume concept was born from the deepest part of his heart following the passing of his mother. Through this creation, he seeks to represent transcendence and life after death. His portrayal includes several symbolic elements, with the most striking being an imposing crest, or mohawk, that gives him a warrior-like appearance while symbolizing personal freedom and the transition into a new spiritual life. Painted from head to toes, his makeup is inspired by the traditional colors of the marigold flower, featuring vibrant shades of yellow that symbolically illuminate the path guiding departed loved ones toward eternal life. The Mexican flag proudly displayed across the front serves as the centerpiece of the presentation, symbolizing national pride. The staff adds a ceremonial and spiritual dimension, representing the connection between the living and those who have passed. Taken as a whole, the costume is fully inspired by Mexican culture and designed to evoke the colors and textures characteristic of Día de Muertos celebrations. With this creation, he hopes to honor his mother’s memory, share a message of hope about the afterlife, and celebrate the mysticism and beauty of our traditions.
Catrina de las Rosas - Her dress is a stunning and creative interpretation of the traditional Día de los Muertos icon, blending elegance, artistry, and cultural symbolism. The gown is covered in hundreds of deep magenta and crimson handmade paper roses, creating a dramatic floral effect that gives the appearance of a Catrina emerging from a garden of flowers. One of the most striking elements is the elaborate headdress, which combines large red roses with a fan-shaped crown made of corn husks, adding grandeur and texture to the costume. Her makeup transforms her face into a beautiful sugar skull, completing a look that celebrates tradition, vitality, and artistic expression. Together, the dress, headdress, and makeup create a breathtaking tribute to culture and memory. Her costume symbolizes love, passion, and cherished memories, much like a bouquet of roses offered in remembrance.
