What is a calavera? This video answers that question by looking at a famous print by the Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada that shows skeletons riding bicycles. The video describes what a calavera is and when and why these prints became popular in 19th-century Mexico. It also examines their connection to Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

CHAPTERS

0:00 What is a calavera?

0:40 José Guadalupe Posada's calaveras

1:02 The Cyclists print and its accompanying satirical poem

2:13 Calaveras and Day of the Dead

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Watch a longer video about Posada's calaveras, including La Catrina