Giant monsters, local craftsmanship, and colorful folk costumes were on full display in Mexico City for the 17th edition of the Alebrijes Parade. The fantastical parade originated from a fever dream but has now become a staple of the Mexican cultural calendar.

Mexico City

Mexico City hosts its annual alabrijes parade, featuring large, vividly colored paper mache monsters that mark the beginning of the Day of the Dead season. The tradition, which began in the 1930s with artist Pedro Linares, aims to preserve Mexican culture and pass it on to younger generations.

Over 200 giant alabrijes, some as tall as 7 meters and weighing up to 300 kilograms, are paraded through the streets. The event, now in its 17th year, attracts more than 600,000 visitors, celebrating the mystical creatures and the cultural roots they represent.

Giant monsters dazzle crowds in Alebrijes parade

Long fangs, devilish looks and fantastical colours. These are Mexico City's famous alabrijes, mystical paper mache monsters. The annual event marks a colourful start to Mexico's Day of the Dead season. We must not let this type of tradition fail. The alabrijes, to remember our culture, our origins. The Day of the Dead is coming. It is to continue with the tradition so the little ones will know their tradition and the customs of Mexico. Alabrijes are traditionally small, handcrafted figures designed to ward off nightmares. The art form originated in Mexico City in the 1930s. Paper mache artist Pedro Linares began creating surreal dream-like creatures after experiencing vivid hallucinations during an illness. Alabrijes have since become a fixture of Mexico City's cultural season. Over 200 creatures are paraded through the streets, some reaching up to 7 metres tall and weighing as much as 300 kilograms. It's a wonderful thing. It reminds us of our roots and what we shouldn't lose, especially during the Day of the Dead season. The 17th annual Alabrijes March attracts more than 600,000 visitors each year, each hoping to catch a glimpse of the mystical creatures of Mexico City.

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