Calaveras del Trenazo de Saltillo

[Mexico]: np, [1970s]. Single leaf folded to produce 4 pp. folio. 18 3⁄4 x 14 in. Small closed tears to edges of broadside; overall very good. Item #10615

A profusely illustrated broadside featuring corridos about the tragic Trenazo de Saltillo rail disaster and the 1972 Munich massacre.

The Trenazo de Saltillo was a train derailment that occurred in Saltillo, Coahuila on October 4, 1972. Over 200 people died; it was the worst rail disaster in Mexican history. The disaster became the source of many popular myths and legends, which primarily circulated orally, but also in anonymous broadsides such as this. In addition to the Saltillo Rail Disaster, the broadside also includes a corrido about the Black September terrorist attack at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

The broadside combines three major genres of Mexican popular culture: the literary calavera, or short poem written for Day of the Dead; the corrido, or traditional narrative ballad that functions as oral history; and macabre illustrations, first made popular by famed printmaker Guadalupe Posada.

A compelling example of popular Mexican print culture and cultural forms, with an emphasis on mortality and death. Not located on OCLC as of November 2026.

Price: $350.00