Creatures on the Street

Last Saturday Alejandro and I saw the Parade of Monumental Alebrijes... a procession of large, colorful, fantastical creatures wheeled through the streets of Mexico City.  This week and next the "alebrijes" are on public display along the pedestrian promenades on either side of Reforma Boulevard.  The nearly 200 figures are arranged from the Independence Monument to the Diana Fountain.

Even though I had seen the parade, I wanted to return and take a closer look at these amazing cardboard and papier-mâché sculptures that were created by individual artists , workshops and organizations.  The "alebrijes" will be judged, and prizes will be awarded.

Here are some photos of some of my favorites...

Some of the "alebrijes" had last minute design changes in memory of the September earthquakes.

This one holds a shovel, a reference to those who rescued people from under the rubble of collapsed buildings.  On the shovel are the dates of the city's two most disastrous quakes... both on September 19th... in 1985 and 2017.

This kangaroo-like creature (it carries a baby in its pouch) grasps a shovel too.

The baby also has a shovel which says "Mexico Always United".

A couple of the "alebrijes" carried the image of a clenched fist.  During the rescue efforts that was a signal for silence as rescuers listened for signs of life beneath the rubble.   It became a symbol of Mexico's strength in the face of disaster.

As I said, prizes will be awarded to the best "alebrijes".  Here is my choice for first place, and, judging by the number of passersby who were photographing it, I think it was a favorite of many others.  It is entitled "The Magic Seed".  You cannot fully appreciate it until you study its amazing detail close up.

To one side is a skeletal figure in animal clothing... a sorcerer, perhaps?

(Notice the "Fuerza Mexico" - "Strength Mexico" slogan on his arm.)

This sorcerer has conjured a creature which is inspired by the feathered serpent of pre-Hispanic mythology.

Sprouting from the serpent's head are the branches of a tree which are filled with birds.

Truly an astounding creation by some very talented artists.