Calavera is the word for skull, but calaveras are verses or small poems that use humor to comment on living people as though they are dead. These eulogies tend to address social inequalities in order to demonstrate that weak or powerful, rich or poor, we all will die. In fact, death is an inescapable part of life. This weekend, I am going to attempt to construct a few of these eulogies and will share whatever I am able to create.

As Dia de los Muertos altars, decorations, and more are filling my sight, I realize the 31st will be here sooner than seems possible. The preparations for this three-day (and more) celebration feel bigger than carving a pumpkin and buying some candy for Halloween. More importantly, the tradition seems (especially to a woman without children, I think) more significant, more sincere.