Day of the Dead Art
One unique aspect of the Mexican Day of the Dead tradition is the beautiful art that is inspired by the event. Artisans in Michoacan, Sonora and other places in Mexico create festive and ornate artistic creations of skeletal figures dancing, socializing and otherwise engaging in festive activities.
A popular Day of the Dead art symbol is the skeletal female figure known as a Calaca, or Catrina, which traces back to the Aztec "Lady of the Dead."
Other forms of art include short poems known as Calaveras (skulls), which highlight humorous aspects of the tradition.
And every year, students and artists will create colorful and generally humorous depictions in papier mache and other media of skeletons participating in activities like drinking beer, smoking a cigarette, or relaxing in a coffin.
