Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a time for remembrance and celebration in Mexico, when families honor their loved ones who have passed on. While many people are familiar with the colorful altars (ofrendas) and symbolic foods like pan de muerto, one of the more playful traditions associated with this holiday is the writing of Calaveritas literarias.

It’s important not to confuse written Calaveritas with Catrinas (the elegant skeletal figures) or Calaveritas de azúcar (sugar skulls), as they serve a very different purpose in this beloved tradition. These witty, satirical poems poke fun at death, offering a lighthearted way to engage with the themes of Día de Muertos through humor and creativity.

What Are Calaveritas?

Calaveritas are short, satirical poems that humorously “bring to life” those who have passed away—or even the living, imagining how they might meet their end. These witty verses, typically written in rhyme, poke fun at death, offering a lighthearted way to deal with a topic that can often be difficult to face. Through Calaveritas, people embrace the inevitability of death with humor and creativity, reflecting the Mexican cultural view of death as part of life.

These poems are often written for friends, family members, celebrities, or politicians, making them a playful, yet personal, way to engage with Día de Muertos traditions. For example, a Calaverita might describe how someone is greeted by La Catrina, the iconic skeletal figure of the holiday, or how a well-known person humorously outsmarts death.

A Tradition Taught in Schools

In Mexico, writing Calaveritas is often part of the school curriculum, especially around Día de Muertos. Students across the country get creative by composing their own verses, sometimes entering contests to see who can come up with the most clever or funny poem. Teachers encourage students to reflect on the holiday’s themes of life and death while embracing their imagination through this unique tradition. It’s a fun and educational way to explore cultural identity and history while adding a modern twist.

Calaveritas in Modern Culture

Over time, Calaveritas have become a popular element in newspapers, on social media, and even in political satire. During the Día de Muertos season, many media outlets publish Calaveritas about current events, public figures, or celebrities, often highlighting social issues in a humorous way. They are part of the holiday’s vibrant and evolving traditions, allowing people to connect with the past while remaining relevant in modern times.

Writing Your Own Calaverita

If you’re feeling inspired to write your own Calaverita, here are a few tips to get started:

1. Choose a Subject: You can write about someone you know, a famous figure, or even yourself. Remember, the tone is lighthearted, so have fun with it!
2. Play with Rhyme: Calaveritas traditionally rhyme, so try to craft a couple of short, fun verses that flow well.
3. Humor and Irony: The essence of a good Calaverita is its humor. Use exaggeration and irony to make death seem less threatening and more like an inevitable, but amusing, part of life.
4. Celebrate Life: Even though Calaveritas are about death, they often celebrate the life and character of the person being written about. Emphasize their quirks or personality traits.

Calaveritas: A Reflection of Mexico’s Unique View on Death

The tradition of Calaveritas is a perfect example of how Día de Muertos transforms a subject as somber as death into something light, even joyful. Through humor and creativity, these poems allow people to mock death and embrace it as part of the natural cycle of life. Whether written for loved ones or celebrities, Calaveritas remind us to live fully, laugh at life’s twists, and view death not with fear, but with acceptance and joy.

So next time you encounter a Calaverita, or write one yourself, take a moment to appreciate the cleverness and cultural significance behind this playful tradition. It’s a reminder that even in death, there’s always room for laughter.

Sample Calaveritas