Mariachi Festival Hosts Release of Documentary Film The Catrina Featuring Claudia Elias
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Mariachi Festival Hosts Release of Documentary Film The Catrina Featuring Claudia Elias
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Houston, TX, November 27, 2024 – The Mariachi Festival proudly hosted the release of the documentary film The Catrina on November 10, featuring Claudia Elias as the centerpiece of this compelling exploration of cultural history. The event, attended by an estimated 250 people, highlighted the growing interest in the historical significance and beauty of catrinas within Hispanic culture.
The documentary sheds light on the rich traditions behind La Catrina, an iconic figure representing El Día de los Muertos. “There are many folks in our community that don't know the historical significance of the catrinas,” said Ben Mendez, Executive Director of the Mariachi Festival. “This film educates and inspires, which aligns with our mission to preserve and promote Hispanic culture.”
Claudia Elias: The Official Catrina Fina
Claudia Elias, the Catrina Fina and official ambassador of the Mariachi Festival, not only starred in the documentary but also financed its production independently. While the Mariachi Festival did not contribute to the film’s production costs, the organization fully supported the event to promote this important cultural narrative.
“The Catrina Documentary could very well be on Netflix one day due to the growing interest in the historical significance of catrinas, as well as the popularity of the extravagant costumes,” Claudia Elias remarked
A Cultural Celebration in Houston
The event saw an impressive turnout of men and women dressed in elaborate catrina costumes, with 15 individuals going out of their way to don intricate attire specifically for the film release. "What surprised me the most was the enthusiasm of the community. Even though there was no costume contest or prize money, the dedication to celebrating our culture was remarkable,” Mendez shared.
The positive response was evident not only in attendance numbers but also in the overwhelming engagement on social media. “The community's embrace of the catrina movement in Houston is a testament to the growing appreciation for our traditions,” he added.
Preserving Hispanic Culture Through Mariachi Festival
Now in its fifth year, the Mariachi Festival continues to promote and celebrate Hispanic heritage, featuring mariachi music, cultural education, and artistic expressions. The nonprofit organization recently expanded into the Rio Grande Valley and has plans to bring its mission to Washington, D.C. in the near future.
“Hispanics have a very rich culture that we all need to preserve,” Mendez said. “The Mariachi Festival was created to educate the masses about our history in the arts and to keep our traditions alive for generations to come.”
A Call to Action
Mendez emphasized the importance of community support for events like the Catrina documentary viewing. “Our community needs to support these events so that we can continue to promote our culture,” he urged.
Mariachi Festival is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
