Día de los Muertos: Catrinas

The imagery of skeleton faces that we see today during Día de los Muertos comes from a Mexican lithographer from the early 1900s, José Guadalupe Posada, who is known for his satirical lithographs featuring skeletons. This print entitled "La Calavera Catrina" (the elegant skull) depicting an upper-class lady in a fancy European hat, is one of his most commonly emulated images:

Día de los Muertos: Altars

At this time of year, homes and businesses put up an altar for loved ones who have passed on. An altar is generally set up in two or more levels, to represent the journey from earth to heaven.