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. 聽 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. 聽Brightly colored, alebrijes are commonly associated with Mexico City and Oaxaca. 聽Both cities host alebrijes festivals, art shows and even parades to display their craft. 聽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.
jenjenk says
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? 馃檪
Jillian says
It would definitely scare the crap out to me! I love the colors though!
jade says
these are awesome- love the bright colors!
Jillian says
I know, amazing right? We just had to take pictures!
inka says
What art, what imagination. I would love to see these parades. Brilliant pictures too. i’m spreading the word.
Jillian says
Thanks Inka. A unique parade 馃檪
robin says
Ha! I’ve seen some colourful posts but this one wins 馃檪
Jillian says
This may be the most “neon” post ever, at least on our blog. I wonder how many of these glow in the dark!
Sophie says
Bright, cheerful and slightly fearsome photos. Very nice 馃檪
Jillian says
Perhaps it’s a new category of sculpture- cheerfully fearsome!
John in France says
With such bright colours I thought these would be for a spring festival – but I was wrong!
Jillian says
I think all Mexican festivals are colorful!
Gladys | WanderingTandem.com says
such colorful creatures. i bet that it was a great parade… great photos 馃檪
Jillian says
It seemed like there were dozens of these creatures on display- we only took pictures of our favorites. I am impressed by the creativity!
Mark Wiens says
These are really cool – amazingly bright colors and extremely creative!
50+ and on the Run says
Makes the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade seem pretty tepid, doesn’t it?
Christy @ Ordinary Traveler says
That first sculpture cracks me up! I want one in my house. 馃檪