Mural of Memories


Día de Muertos is one of Mexico’s most vibrant traditions and now in the U.S.A. Along with colorful altars, marigolds, and delicious pan de muerto, there is a playful custom called calaveritas literarias (literary little skulls, calaveritas in short). These are short, satirical poemswritten to poke fun at friends, family, or even public figures, always with humor and affection. Think of them as lighthearted verses where Death herself shows up to take someone away, but in a witty, joking way.

A calaverita is not meant to be scary. Instead, it’s a celebration of life, a way to laugh at our own mortality, and a reminder that humor and poetry are part of Mexican culture.

How to write your own calaverita in English:

1. Choose a subject: A friend, a colleague, or even yourself.
2. Imagine Death as a character: She usually appears in the poem to surprise or trick the subject.
3. Play with rhyme: Traditional calaveritas are written in simple rhyming verses, often 4–6 lines.
4. Add humor: Feel free to exaggerate the subject’s habits or quirks. The tone is teasing, never mean.
5. End with a twist: Death almost always wins, but in a funny, ironic way

Examples of Some La Costena calaveritas for your Inspiration



Calaverita #1: La Costeña®

• Death knocked and said, “What’s this scent so divine?”
• La Costeña® smiled, “It’s flavor — and it’s mine.”
• She tasted the salsa, sighed, and then said,
• “I’ll stay for dinner… and skip being dead.”

Calaverita #2: La Costeña® Salsas

• Death wanted spice, she wanted delight,
• She grabbed La Costeña® Salsa and stayed all night.
• From smoky to tangy, her taste buds awoke,
• She laughed and said, “These flavors won’t make me croak!”

Calaverita #3: La Costeña® Jalapeños

• Death took a bite and started to sweat,
• “These Jalapeños are the hottest yet!”
• She fanned her face and danced in glee,
• Saying, “Spicy joy brings life to me!”

Final Thought

Writing a calaverita is a playful invitation to embrace humor, creativity, and cultural connection. Whether you write one in English or Spanish, you’ll discover how Mexicans transform remembrance into joy.