Bizarre creatures invade the city!

Of the many Mexican handicrafts, "alebrijes" are among the most popular,  "Alebrijes" are figures of whimsical creatures.  They are usually carved from wood and are brightly painted. Most of them come from a couple of villages in the state of Oaxaca.  Many of the "alebrijes" that you see in the handicraft markets are cheap and gaudy, but there are artisans who create intricately decorated figures that are works of art that sell for hundreds of dollars.

Right now in Mexico City they are having a contest of  "alebrijes monumentales".  These huge figures are lined up along the pedestrian walkway in the middle of Avenida Alvaro Obregón, the main street in the neighborhood of Roma Norte.  Judging by the entry numbers on the figures, there must be more than 300 "alebrijes" entered into the competition.  Yesterday, I braved the cold, and took the ever-crowded Metrobus to Roma Norte to see the bizarre creatures.  I walked for at least a half dozen blocks and saw dozens of "alebrijes".  There were more to see, but my sweater was not enough to combat the chilly temperatures, and I turned back.

Here are a few of the strange beasts...