This past Saturday we headed over to Reforma to check out the 5th annual Alebrije Parade, also known as La Noche de los Alebrijes (Night of the Alebrijes). The parade route begins in the zócalo and continues through the historic center along calles 5 de Mayo, Juárez and Paseo de la Reforma, all the way to the Angel de la Independencia.
La Noche de los Alebrijes helps to promote the work of Mexican artists from across central Mexico and as far away as Oaxaca. On display were hundreds of “monumental alebrijes,” or floats featuring brightly painted fantastical creatures. The monumental alebrijes are giant representations of traditional alebrijes which are often smaller in size, hand carved and hand painted. Some of Mexico’s best alebrijes are produced in the alebrije workshop of Jacobo Ángeles. They’re a popular Mexican folk art and a great souvenir to take with you on your flight home from Mexico.
Here are a few of my favorite photos of the parade…
After the parade, the alebrijes are lined up along the Paseo de la Reforma between el Angél and la Diana. They’ll be there on display until Sunday, November 6th — so even if you missed the parade you still have all week to check out all of the floats.
The alebrije parade is a family-friendly annual event that takes place each October. It’s organized by Mexico City’s Museo de Arte Popular, a museum dedicated to the promotion and preservation of Mexican handicrafts and folk art. If you’ve purchased cheap flights to Mexico City you’ll have the opportunity to visit the Museo de Arte Popular.
Museo de Arte Popular
Revillagigedo 11, Centro Histórico
Tues-Sun 10am-6pm; Wed 10am-9pm
Admission: 40 pesos ($3.30); free on Sundays
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En Oaxaca Arrazola se pueden vera los artesanos hacer sus Alebrijes son un bonito recuerdo del Estado y su leyenda va con cada uno de ellos , los animales , figuras raras crean una buen cuento de Arte. Gracías Go Mexico Guide. Gina Machorro
Fantastic display and how much fun that has to be to see them cruising down the boulevard. Mexico, so many interesting layers.
How Cool Laura! Man, I didn’t know this was going on! I’ve wanted to go since I saw some info on it a awhile back… Is there a certain source/calendar you use for Mx Cty? Any upcoming stuff like think do you think you could shoot me a tweet until I get to know the city a bit better? Still trying to figure it all out haha
Sure, no problem. Carlos was actually at the Museo de Arte Popular not too long ago which is how we found out about this. The floats will be on display all week, so you still have time to head over and check them out. I hope your classes are going well. We’ll have to get together one day soon and catch up!
Ah, thanks! Are they still on display just on the street or at the museum? Things have been hectic but classes are going well, one more week and I should be all settled in and we’ll meet up soon!?.Just got my new chilango number I will inbox it to you
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