Mexico City Hosts Monumental Alebrijes Parade, Showcasing Fantastical Folk Art

Vibrant Spectacle Unfolds in Mexico City

Mexico City's streets were transformed into a kaleidoscope of color and imagination on Saturday, October 18, 2025, as the annual Monumental Alebrijes Parade took place. Organized by the Museo de Arte Popular (MAP), this seventeenth edition of the event showcased over 200 monumental alebrijes, captivating thousands of attendees with their fantastical forms and vibrant hues. The parade, also known as 'La Noche de los Alebrijes' or 'Desfile y Concurso de Alebrijes Monumentales del MAP', commenced at 12:00 noon, marking a significant cultural highlight in the lead-up to Day of the Dead celebrations.

The Art of the Alebrije

Alebrijes are a distinctive form of Mexican folk art, characterized by their brightly colored, fantastical creatures. These sculptures often combine elements of various real and imaginary animals, featuring intricate details such as wings, horns, hooves, and multiple heads. The art form originated in the 1930s with artisan Pedro Linares López, who began crafting these surreal figures after experiencing vivid hallucinations during an illness. Traditionally made from papier-mâché (cartonería) or wood, no two alebrijes are exactly alike, reflecting the boundless creativity of their makers. The monumental alebrijes featured in the parade typically stand between 2 and 2.60 meters tall and can weigh over 75 kg.

Parade Route and Participants

The parade embarked from the historic Zócalo, Mexico City's main square, and wound its way through iconic avenues including 5 de Mayo, Avenida Juárez, and Paseo de la Reforma, culminating at the majestic Ángel de la Independencia. The procession was a collaborative effort, featuring creations by artisans from various Mexican states, including Mexico City, Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Morelos, Puebla, Quintana Roo, San Luis Potosí, Tabasco, and Tlaxcala. Accompanying the colossal sculptures were folkloric dance companies, mariachis, and musical bands, adding to the festive atmosphere. The event also serves as a contest, with prizes awarded to the most impressive alebrijes, further encouraging artistic excellence and innovation.

Post-Parade Exhibition

For those who missed the live parade, the monumental alebrijes will remain on public display. The sculptures are exhibited along Paseo de la Reforma, specifically between the Ángel de la Independencia and the Estela de Luz/Lieja street. This exhibition provides an extended opportunity for residents and tourists to admire the intricate details and vibrant artistry of these unique creations. The display is scheduled to run from October 18 to November 9, 2025, offering several weeks for public viewing. The annual event, which began in 2007, continues to grow in popularity, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators and solidifying its place as a cherished tradition that celebrates Mexico's rich artistic heritage.