Día de Muertos, the celebration of life and death in Mexico. Death is a rite of passage, something to celebrate rather than mourn. Homes, streets and even ancient Aztec ruins are adorned with colour and calaveras as a reminder to enjoy life and embrace our own mortality, and families and friends gather to pray to and celebrate their loved ones passed.
But why do these calaveras, these intricately decorated skulls, hold such an aesthetic importance for the Day of the Dead?
The answer is simple: because, as Mexican illustrator and political satirist, José Guadalupe Posada posed in his La Calavera Catrina illustration, no matter what your position in society, we’re all just a skull and bones in the end. It’s a humble reminder that we are all the same.
Still on my own journey of discovery through Mexican culture, timidly clutching at Frida Kahlo’s skirts, I wanted to create a calavera of my own. In my research, I found so many beautiful designs that I knew I had to share! Here are my top ten…
José Guadalupe Posada
Frida Kahlo
Kate O’Hara
Kate O’Hara
Kate Collins
Derrick Castle
Anna W
Thaneeya McArdle
My own calavera – bringing together my fascination for the Aztec warriors and my love for Mexico’s Día de Muertos:
