Strange Creatures Along Reforma

The "Alebrije" Parade this year featured around 300 entries.  For those who did not get to go to the parade, or for those who want to get a closer look at the fantastical papier mache animals, all of them of lined up along Paseo de la Reforma.

  

The stretch of the boulevard from the Diana Fountain to the entrance to Chapultepec Park has been invaded by an army of creatures, some menacing, some cute, and some just plain silly.  An "alebrije" typically contains a bizarre mixture of elements from disparate animals.  For example this four-legged creature has the head of an eagle and the wings of a monarch butterfly.

Strolling down Reforma, you are able to study more carefully the craftsmanship of these figures than is possible when they are passing by in the parade.  And since they are standing still, you are able to take better photos.

One more post of "alebrijes"

On Reforma

On Monday, I took a walk down Mexico City's most famous boulevard, Paseo de la Reforma.  Although work on the Day of the Dead decorations is still ongoing, it's looking very festive.  I am amazed that there are more decorations in this city for Day of the Dead than there are for Christmas.  Of course, that's probably because the Day of the Dead celebrations have become a major draw for foreign tourists.

On my way to the boulevard, I passed through the Reforma 222 shopping mall.  They always have a Day of the Dead "ofrenda" set up.  This year, the "ofrenda" is in the form of a giant "catrina"... the elegantly dressed female skeleton that is an iconic symbol of the Day of the Dead.

Her skirt has shelves which hold the items associated with "ofrendas"...marigolds, candles, skulls, fruits and other foods, and mementos of the departed.

From the mall, I walked out onto Reforma.  Heading to the right, at the intersection of the boulevard with Insurgentes Avenue, a gate was in the process of being built.  It appears that it will be brightly lit with lights at night.

Heading back up Reforma, beyond the arch, there is a stretch of the boulevard that is lined with larger-than-life "catrinas".

These "catrinas" are set up each years by Gayosso, a major chain of funeral homes in Mexico City.

The median strip of Reforma is planted with thousands of marigolds.

Farther up the boulevard is the annual marigold market.

Marigolds are an essential part of an "ofrenda".  Since most families set up an "ofrenda" in their homes, the demand for marigolds at this time of year is enormous.  There are plenty of marigolds here to chose from.

Other flowers and houseplants are also for sale, as well as Day of the Dead decorations.

Marigolds are planted all around the Independence Monument.

A gigantic "catrina" stands in front of the monument.

"Mexicráneos" have been placed all around the traffic circle by the Independence Monument.  The "Mexicráneos" have long been a feature of Day of the Dead in Mexico City.  They are large fiberglass skulls.  Each one is uniquely painted by a different artist.  All of the "Mexicráneos" used to be displayed along Reforma.  Now they are at various locations in the city.  Some of ones here are new; others are from previous years.  This year the "Mexicráneos" are sponsored by Soriana, a Mexican supermarket chain.

The Hotel Marquis Reforma goes all out in decorating for Day of the Dead, and this year was no exception.

And there is still more along Reforma.  All of the "alebrijes" from last weekend's parade are lined up along the boulevard.

Additions to My Holiday Attire

I have shown you some of the t-shirts and the cap that I have to wear during the Day of the Dead season.  I have also accumulated a collection of fun socks to wear during this time of year.  Earlier this month I found these two pairs when I was at the Thursday "tianguis" (outdoor market) in my neighborhood.

When the vendor saw me looking at them, he said that they were for Halloween.  I said with a smile, "Estamos en México.  Son para Día de Muertos."  (We're in Mexico.  They're for Day of the Dead.)

Fearsome Guardians

 On Madero Street in the Historic Center, these two enormous skeletons dressed as Aztec warriors stand guard to the entrance of a former colonial palace.

You can see from their helmets that one is a "jaguar warrior" and the other an "eagle warrior", members of the two orders of elite soldiers in the Aztec military.

More from the Parade

I hope you're not getting tired of "alebrijes" because here are some more photos and videos from last Saturday's parade...

 

As you can see from the photos it was a cloudy day, but fortunately there was no rain.  It was a quite chilly with a high of only 63 degrees Fahrenheit.  And this silly "gringo" did not wear a jacket.

That's it for the 2026 Parade of Monumental "Alebrijes"!