about
Keeping Our Heritage Alive
In 2021, thanks to the generous support of the McKinney Community Development Corporation and the dedication of Jason Hernandez with Legacy Keepers of Old East McKinney, a passionate team came together to bring this vision to life. While our team has changed and grown over the years, our executive committee of Blynda Christian-Ray, Theresa Strange-Johnston and Wendy Kidd have continued to bring this event to the community with the help of the McKinney Chamber Foundation and McKinney Community Development Corporation. With over 150 volunteers each year, the McKinney Dia de los Muertos continues strong and grows every year!
five years of celebration
This year, we’re bringing McKinney’s biggest and best Día de los Muertos celebration to life—bigger, brighter, and more vibrant than ever! We’re excited to welcome people from all over the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond to join in, whether that’s attending the event, engaging with us on social media, or simply learning more about this beautiful tradition.
Get ready to enjoy your favorite activities from past years, along with exciting new experiences to make this celebration even more unforgettable!
We’re especially proud to mark our 5th anniversary by partnering with the Alliance of Elite Youth Leadership to present a special scholarship to local students. Together, we honor the past while inspiring the future—come celebrate with us!
YOUR COMMITTEE
theresa strange johnston
Executive Director of
Marketing & Community Outreach
What does Día de los Muertos mean to you?
Día de los Muertos is a joyful way to celebrate loved ones, connecting with my roots through beautiful altars, marigolds, and music. It’s a time filled with love, food, and cherished memories that bring us closer as a family.
What is your favorite Día activity?
Ofrendas & Monarch Messages
wendy kidd
Executive Director of
Operations & Sponsorship
What does Día de los Muertos mean to you?
Although it’s not part of my heritage, Día de los Muertos resonates deeply with me. It’s a vibrant celebration that brings people together through food, music, and traditions. I admire how it emphasizes unity and love, creating such a meaningful shared experience.
What is your favorite Día activity?
Monarch Messages
blynda
christian-ray
Executive Director of
Decor & Contest
What does Día de los Muertos mean to you?
This tradition is a way to honor and celebrate life through colorful altars, delicious food, and lively music. It fills me with a sense of gratitude and connection to my ancestry. I love how it encourages togetherness and highlights the importance of family and memories.
What is your favorite Día activity?
Monarch Messages
david a. granger, CSEP, CTEP
Entertainment Chair
What does Día de los Muertos mean to you?
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Sharing my birthday on Nov 1st with Día de los Muertos makes it extra special! It’s a heartwarming celebration of life, family, and traditions. I love how it brings joy and allows me to connect with my community while learning about this vibrant cultural holiday.
What is your favorite Día activity?
Candles Lighting
paula hermelyn
Volunteer Chair
What does Día de los Muertos mean to you?
Día de los Muertos is a festival filled with joy and vibrant traditions. It’s a chance to reflect on cherished memories, share delicious meals, and enjoy beautiful music as a community. Being part of this celebration has shown me how culture brings people together in the most special way.
What is your favorite Día activity?
The Catrina Contest
sandy silvera-webb
Merchants Coordinator
What does Día de los Muertos mean to you?
Día de los Muertos is all about community and connection for me. This is my third year participating, and watching everyone come together through food, music, and traditions is so inspiring. It’s a reminder of the beauty of sharing cultural experiences as a group.
What is your favorite Día activity?
Dressing Up as La Catrina
