You may not recognize the name, but if you’ve been to Mexico you’ll likely recognize the brightly colored sculptures of fantasy animals and creatures. First created in Mexico City by artist Pedro Linares, alebrijes can be made of paper mache, wood or even metal and are often creatures most associated with fantasy or dream-like worlds. Brightly colored, alebrijes are commonly associated with Mexico City and Oaxaca. Both cities host alebrijes festivals, art shows and even parades to display their craft. These festivals are generally held in October, November and December to coincide with Halloween, Dia de los muertos and the Christmas craft season.
Here are some pictures from the fifth annual monumental alebrijes parade held in Mexico City. Each alebrije was created by a different art school, museum or community organization. Sponsored by the Museum of Popular Art, the parade ended along Paseo de la Reforma where the alebrijes were put on display.
these are amazing! love how colorful they are! can you imagine having one hiding around the corner in your house scaring the crap out of someone? 🙂
It would definitely scare the crap out to me! I love the colors though!
these are awesome- love the bright colors!
I know, amazing right? We just had to take pictures!
What art, what imagination. I would love to see these parades. Brilliant pictures too. i’m spreading the word.
Thanks Inka. A unique parade 🙂
Ha! I’ve seen some colourful posts but this one wins 🙂
This may be the most “neon” post ever, at least on our blog. I wonder how many of these glow in the dark!
Bright, cheerful and slightly fearsome photos. Very nice 🙂
Perhaps it’s a new category of sculpture- cheerfully fearsome!
With such bright colours I thought these would be for a spring festival – but I was wrong!
I think all Mexican festivals are colorful!
such colorful creatures. i bet that it was a great parade… great photos 🙂
It seemed like there were dozens of these creatures on display- we only took pictures of our favorites. I am impressed by the creativity!
These are really cool – amazingly bright colors and extremely creative!
Makes the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade seem pretty tepid, doesn’t it?
That first sculpture cracks me up! I want one in my house. 🙂