La Catrina – Day of the Dead

José Guadalupe Posada’s work has steadily gained popularity with art lovers and Día de los Muertos celebrators alike. He is especially known for his calaveras images of whimsical skeletons.

Posada, born in 1852 in the Mexican state of Aquascalientes, began his career as a teacher of lithography. In 1887, he moved to Mexico City where he worked as an illustrator for hire.

His work reflected the times in which he lived. While a vast majority of the poverty-stricken population was illiterate, Posada’s illustrations made the stories, news articles, broadsides, advertisements and the many other items his work accompanied easy to grasp. (more…)

Día de los Muertos en México

Fiesta Dia de Muertos, Day of the Dead celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd, is a celebration in which Mexicans remember and honor their deceased loved ones. Though it may sound gloomy or morbid, it’s not.

It’s a festive and colorful holiday. Mexicans visit cemeteries, decorate the graves and spend time there – in the presence of their deceased friends and family members. They also make elaborately decorated altars (sometimes called ofrendas) in their homes. (more…)