The Literary Calavera or calavera literaria (Spanish: literary skull) is a traditional Mexican literary form: a satirical or light-hearted writing in verse, often composed for the Day of the Dead.[1][2] In some parts of Mexico, it is a common tradition for children and adults to write "Calaveritas" (short for "Calavera literaria") for friends, colleagues, or relatives, in which the addressee is typically portrayed as dead.
Initially known as panteones, these verses had their origin in the 19th century as mocking epitaph and a way of expressing ideas or feelings that in other occasions might be difficult to express.[3][2] For this reason they were often censored or destroyed, since they also often served as a means to express political satire.[3][2] The first calaveras were published in 1879, in the newspaper El Socialista, of Guadalajara.[2]