Viva La Calavera brings the heart of Mexico to QVM

Viva La Calavera is bringing a “small piece of Mexico” to Queen Victoria Market (QVM) through its vibrant collection of colourful Mexican art and objects. 

Taking ownership of the store in 2020, Deni had a vision to share her Mexican culture all around Australia, launching a “100 per cent Mexican” stall within the market. 

Collaborating with various Mexican artists across the country, Viva La Calavera’s best-selling items are their ceramic skulls, which serve as an important symbol of Mexican culture. 

“They’re made of ceramic and all of them are handmade,” part-time employee at the store Mariana said. 

“All of the skulls have ‘made in Mexico’ on the bottom of them and also the signature of the artist, which makes them really special because customers can see that it’s really an original product.”

The business also sells authentic tote bags which Mariana said were a staple used in Mexico, as well as Lucha Libre wrestling masks and wall prints.

“The prints are made by a Mexican artist who now lives in the US, but we are the only ones in Australia to have permission to import his artwork,” Mariana told CBD News. 

A hallmark of Mexican culture, Viva La Calavera captivates passers-by with its vibrant colours and playful spirit. 

The energy and passion radiating from the store are a testament to Deni’s dedication to celebrating her heritage and sharing her love for it with others.

“People are really curious about the skulls and what they mean, because in some cultures a skull can be a bad or negative thing. Since ancient times in Mexico, it was really an honour to die and seen as a sacrifice to the gods,” Mariana said. 

One of Mexico’s most significant celebrations, the Day of the Dead on November 2, honours and revives the spirits of the deceased in a joyful tribute to their lives.

The skull represents a double feeling. Of course, death is something to be sad about and something you mourn, but having a skull painted with so many colours and patterns makes them alive again.

To honour Day of the Dead, Viva La Calavera is planning a series of workshops and activities, inviting market-goers to immerse themselves in the festivities.

“Deni is so proud to be apart of the QVM community and so happy to have the flag of Mexico here,” Mariana said.

“You never get tired of what you can find at the market. Everything’s so different and so multicultural – we hope to make customers wonder about our culture and maybe empower them to travel and visit us over there.”

Viva La Calavera is located at Shop 20 in String Bean Alley and is open Thursday and Friday from 9am to 3pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm. •