Calaveritas Literarias: The Poems of Día de Muertos

Have you ever heard of calaveritas literarias? If not, you’re in for a fun discovery! These are playful, satirical poems that Mexicans write each year during Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, to humorously “tease” death and often poke fun at friends, family, or public figures. These literary works of art reflect Mexicans’ wit and unique approach to Día de Muertos. Imagine short, witty verses that picture La Muerte—Death—appearing in everyday life. In calaveritas literarias, death takes on many names and personalities, allowing it to be viewed with familiarity and humor rather than fear.

For example, a poem might imagine a coffee-loving character being visited by La Catrina, the iconic representation of death, who is portrayed as an unwelcome but almost comical guest. Here’s an example:

Con su café siempre está,
sin descanso ni parar,
la Catrina vino a llevarlo,
pero él se quedó a charlar.

Translated, it reads:
He’s always with his coffee,
never stopping for a rest,
La Catrina came to take him,
but he stayed to chat, no less.

This short verse humorously depicts a character’s love for coffee as so strong that even death has to wait. It’s lighthearted, irreverent, and reflects the Mexican approach to viewing death not as a fearsome end, but as an event to laugh at, to make fun of, and even to welcome with open arms.

In this week’s post, we’ll explore the origins of calaveritas, their purpose in Mexican culture, and how you can create your own. Whether you’re teaching a class on Mexican culture or simply interested in trying your hand at a calaverita, this guide will provide everything you need to know about this unique tradition.

A Look Back: The Origins of Calaveritas Literarias

The tradition of calaveritas began in Mexico during the colonial era as a form of social commentary. In the 1800s, newspapers published these poems to offer a humorous critique of public figures, politicians, and social issues. They served as a way for people to confront and satirize authority while commenting on the inevitability of death. This was during a time when indigenous customs were being repressed, so calaveritas allowed people to preserve a connection to their cultural roots while adapting to the changing political landscape.

While the term “calaveritas literarias” may sound complex, these poems are typically informal and light-hearted. They reflect the Mexican perspective on death as a natural part of life—one that can be approached with humor and playfulness. The tradition has continued to evolve, and today, calaveritas are written for friends, family members, and even celebrities as a way to celebrate Día de Muertos and honor the cycle of life and death.

The Purpose of Calaveritas Literarias: Mocking Death and Embracing Life

At the heart of calaveritas lies the ability to make light of death. In a culture that views death as a continuation rather than an end, these verses offer a way to cope with loss and celebrate the lives of those who have passed. Writing a calaverita means imagining a playful encounter with death, where La Flaca, La Catrina, or another personification of death visits the subject of the poem. Whether it’s a teacher, a family member, or a friend, the subject’s personality, quirks, and habits become part of a humorous story that shows how death comes for everyone, regardless of status or character.

For example, a calaverita might humorously imagine a boss refusing to leave the office, even when La Catrina arrives, or a teacher scolding death for interrupting a lesson. The goal is to laugh at death, strip it of its fearsome reputation, and embrace the joy of life. These verses remind us that no one escapes death, but that’s precisely why life should be celebrated with laughter and love.

The Many Faces of Death: La Catrina, La Calaca, and La Flaca

In calaveritas literarias, death is a character that comes to life with wit and charm, embodying the very essence of Mexican humor. La Catrina is perhaps the most famous figure associated with Día de Muertos. Dressed in elegant, old-fashioned clothing, she represents the idea that death comes for everyone, regardless of wealth or status. However, La Catrina is just one way Mexicans personify death in these poems.

Death is also known as La Calaca, which means “skeleton,” a term that’s used affectionately or humorously to refer to death in a light-hearted manner. Then there’s La Flaca, or “the skinny one,” which gives a familiar, almost endearing quality to death. These names reflect a relationship with death that is deeply ingrained in Mexican culture—one that does not fear death but instead embraces it as a natural, inevitable part of life. Through these different nicknames, calaveritas infuse death with personality, allowing it to be a recurring character in the playful stories they tell.

Activity: Create Your Own Calaverita Literaria

Creating a calaverita literaria is both an art and a playful exercise that allows you to celebrate someone's quirks in a humorous way. Here’s a simple guide to crafting your own calaverita:

Step 1: Choose a Subject

Decide who you want the calaverita to be about. It could be a friend, family member, or even a public figure. Think about what makes this person unique, whether it’s a favorite habit, an endearing quirk, or something they’re known for.

Step 2: Set the Scene with Death

In Mexican culture, La Muerte or La Catrina often serves as the playful visitor in these poems. Imagine a situation where Death comes to take the subject away, but they respond in a way that reflects their personality. For example, you could picture Death interrupting their daily routine, only to find that they’re too busy to leave or charm her into staying instead.

Step 3: Use a Simple Rhyme Scheme

Most calaveritas follow a four-line verse structure with an ABAB or AABB rhyme scheme, which keeps the rhythm light and fun. You can write just one verse or several, depending on the story you want to tell. Aim for simplicity with a hint of humor, using rhyme to give it a lively flow.

Step 4: Add Playful Details

Capture the essence of the person by including details that make them come alive on the page. Maybe they have a favorite saying, a habit they can’t shake, or a passion they’re known for. For example, if you’re writing about someone who loves coffee, you might describe how they refuse to leave without their final cup. These details help personalize the calaverita and make it relatable.

Step 5: Conclude with a Twist

The best calaveritas have a playful twist at the end, either with Death giving up, the person bargaining for more time, or something funny happening that leaves Death waiting. This twist is often where the humor really shines, giving the poem a memorable finish.

Here’s an example of a calaverita, our favorite one dedicated to Manuel, co-owner of Lolo Mercadito (learn more about us here):

La muerte llegó a Lolo con su vestido brillante,
“Manuel, ya es hora, ven en este instante.”
Manuel contestó, sin pizca de miedo,
“¡Pero ven, mira esto, hecho con tanto esmero!”

“De Taxco traigo joyas que brillan como el sol,
y rebozos de Oaxaca, ¡ven y mira el color!
Si me llevas, te pierdes de arte tan fino,
mejor toma asiento y admira el destino.”

La Flaca, encantada, no se pudo resistir,
se probó un sombrero y empezó a reír.
Le fascinó la blusa bordada con esmero,
y olvidó a Manuel… ¡junto con su sendero!

Y cuando por fin recordó a qué venía,
dijo, “¿Llevarme a Manuel? Mejor otro día.
No paro de gozar de sus obras tan bellas,
¡qué suerte la mía, me quedo con ellas!”

Y así, en Lolo, se quedó a disfrutar,
Manuel ahora sí ¡sin nada de qué preocupar!
La muerte danzaba y reía a carcajadas,
olvidando su misión... ¡por artes tan apreciadas!

Translation:

[Death arrived to Lolo in her bright attire,
“Manuel, it’s time, no need to tire.”
Manuel replied, without a hint of fear,
“Come see these crafts, carefully made right here!”

“From Taxco, I’ve got jewels that shine like the sun,
and rebozos from Oaxaca—so vibrant, such fun!
If you take me, you’ll miss art so refined,
better sit down and admire the designs.”

La Flaca, enchanted, couldn’t resist,
she tried on a hat and laughed with a twist.
The embroidered blouse caught her delight,
and she forgot about Manuel… slipping out of sight!

When at last she remembered why she came,
she said, “Take Manuel? I’ll choose another day.
I’m lost in these beautiful works you display,
what luck for me, I’ll just stay!”

So in Lolo, she danced around,
leaving Manuel with no worries to be found!
La Muerte laughed and twirled with glee,
forgetting her mission… enchanted by art so deep!]

This calaverita literaria about Manuel captures his spirit and role in Lolo. In this playful exchange, we see how Manuel’s deep pride in Mexican craftsmanship allows him to momentarily charm La Muerte, or La Flaca, who is enchanted by the beauty of the art he showcases. The details in the calaverita reflect Manuel’s dedication to sharing authentic Mexican crafts and his love for the stories behind each piece.

Hands to Paper:

Writing a calaverita is not only fun but also a meaningful way to participate in Día de Muertos traditions. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Choose a Person or Subject: Think of someone you know well—a friend, family member, teacher, or even a public figure. The person’s quirks, traits, and unique qualities will be central to your calaverita.
2. Identify a Quirky or Memorable Trait: Consider what makes this person stand out. Do they always run late? Are they obsessed with coffee? Do they have a passion for a particular hobby? These details will help you create a personalized and humorous scenario.
3. Create a Situation with La Muerte: Imagine La Muerte visiting this person. How would they react? Would they try to bargain with her, crack a joke, or even ignore her entirely? This interaction sets the stage for the poem.
4. Write in Rhyme and Rhythm: The tone should be light-hearted and playful. Feel free to add more verses to extend the story, but keep it short and sweet.
5. Add a Punchline or Twist: The best calaveritas end with a twist—a funny revelation about the person’s fate or something they would do in the afterlife. This adds an element of surprise and brings the poem to a satisfying conclusion.

Keeping the Tradition Alive

Calaveritas literarias offer a fun and meaningful way to celebrate Día de Muertos. Through humor, creativity, and a willingness to laugh at death, these poems allow us to remember loved ones, celebrate life, and connect with a rich cultural heritage. By writing calaveritas, we’re preserving an important tradition while also embracing a unique aspect of Mexican identity that teaches us to face mortality with a smile.

Writing a calaverita is a wonderful way to experience the spirit of Día de Muertos. It’s an invitation to celebrate life, laugh at the inevitable, and remember that, in the end, we’re all part of a larger story.

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So, what do you think? Is this something you will be trying? We would love to read them so, if you do, please share them in the comment below that we read with so much love and appreciation!