While I was passing through the Zócalo subway station I saw a showcase that was filled with "alebrijes" from the collection of the Museum of Popular Arts. These were not the giant, monumental type of "alebrijes" that are rolled through the streets for the annual parade. These were normal sized creatures. Most of them you could hold in your hands. The showcase also had posters from the all the "alebrije" parades since the event's inauguration in 2007.
Here you see how the "alebrijes" are made. The framework of the animal is created from pieces of wood. It is then covered with papier mâché. Eventually the figure is painted, often with intricate designs. This type of handicraft using papier mâché is known as "cartonería" in Mexico. It also includes the large "Judas" figures which are burned during Holy Week.
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