As a Mexican living in the Netherlands, I’ve learned that traveling is not just about discovering new places but also about sharing and keeping our traditions alive. Every November, we Mexicans celebrate one of our most cherished festivities: **Día de Muertos** (Day of the Dead). And even though I'm far from Mexico, I can't help but get excited recalling one of the most unique and fun traditions of this time: **literary calaveritas**.
What are Literary Calaveritas?
If you’re hearing about them for the first time, let me explain. **Calaveritas literarias** are short, humorous poems written during the Day of the Dead celebration. In these compositions, we often “playfully” poke fun at friends, family, public figures, or even ourselves, imagining how Death (the famous "Catrina") comes for us in a light-hearted and ironic manner.
These calaveritas provide a way to face death with a smile, perfectly embodying our perspective on life in Mexico: we celebrate death as a natural part of the cycle, without fear, and with joy.
The Magic of Celebrating Día de Muertos Abroad
Although Día de Muertos is a deeply Mexican celebration, more and more people around the world are drawn to its colorfulness and significance. Living in the Netherlands has given me a different perspective on how to connect with my roots and share them with other expats and travelers. You'd be surprised at how many of my international friends are fascinated by this tradition.
Literary calaveritas, in particular, have been a great way to share a piece of Mexico with friends from different cultures. We sit together to write calaveritas, and even if some still struggle with Spanish, the result is always guaranteed laughter!
How to Write a Literary Calaverita
If you want to join this fun tradition, here’s how you can write a calaverita, even if you've never done it before:
1. **Choose your subject**: It can be a friend, coworker, or even the country you live in now!
2. **Create a humorous situation**: Think of something funny or ironic related to the person or situation you’ve chosen.
3. **Rhyme with humor**: Try to make the verses rhyme. It doesn’t have to be perfect; the comedic touch is what counts.
4. **Enjoy the process**: It’s not about creating a literary masterpiece; it’s about having fun.
Here’s an example of a calaverita I wrote for a Dutch friend:
*"Jan loves his cheese galore,
But Death found him a bit too sore.
With so much gouda, he couldn't resist,
And the Flaca paid him a visit."*
It’s amusing to see how friends from different nationalities react to their calaveritas. Everyone ends up wanting to write their own!
Sugar Calaveritas: The Sweet Side of the Tradition
Another fascinating aspect of Día de Muertos is the use of **sugar calaveritas**. These small, colorful skulls are placed on altars to honor our deceased loved ones. While the literary versions are just words, these sugar skulls represent the sweetness of life and death, reminding us that both are intertwined.
Bridging Cultures Through Death
What’s most exciting about celebrating Día de Muertos abroad is how we can bridge cultures through traditions like calaveritas. Expats, who often seek a connection to our roots, also enjoy sharing our customs with people from around the world. It’s a way to travel without moving, bringing a piece of our history and making it part of everyday life in other countries.
**Conclusion**
If you’re an expat like me, I invite you to immerse yourself in the richness of **Día de Muertos** and discover the magic of **literary calaveritas**. It doesn’t matter if you’re far from home or just beginning to explore this tradition; death in Mexico is celebrated with humor, color, and above all, the joy of remembering those who have left us. Writing calaveritas can be a fun way to connect with Mexican culture while sharing a special moment with your friends and loved ones.
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