Taking Mexico's traditional Day of the Dead (November 2) celebration as his theme, Posada would stage shows with skeletons in working class barrios, in suburban communities and even in the houses of the rich. During these productions the skeletons would ride bicycles or be garbed in the latest finery. His use of skeletons as a metaphor for a corrupt society ranks Posada as a pioneer expressionist. Posada supplemented macabre humor with lampoons against venal and tyrannical politicians. For these transgressions, he was thrown into jail on several occasions. During this period in Mexico City, one of Posada's greatest admirers was a youth who had come to the capital from Jalisco.

The calaveras ( animated skeletons) however are just Posada's most familiar legacy for time has placed him as a central figure in Mexican art. His life and works have become the foundation of Mexican printmaking and have vitally contributed to the formation of contemporary Mexican art. His genius for inspired illustration of the people's themes continue to make him one of Mexico's most popular artists. The modest hardworking illustrator not only addressed the issues of a society in conflict prior to the revolution, he perpetuated the role of art as an outlet for protest within Mexican society.

The spirit of Posadas, as his distinctive black and white engraved images have become known, continue to express a deep commitment to our shared humanity, drawing its inspiration from the great drama of life itself and the final chapters we all share with each other.

Dia de los Muertos is celebrated throughout Mexico and the Southwest states, and coincides with the Christian All Souls and All Saints Days. On November 1st and 2nd people remember those who are deceased. November 1st is considered the Dia de los Angelitos-the day to remember children that have died, November 2nd is the traditional Dia de los Muertos (day of the dead). Dead of the Dead Art