Here Come the "Alebrijes"!

The first big event of the Day of the Dead season is the Parade of the Monumental "Alebrijes" which is held each year on a Saturday in mid-October.

This is the 18th year that the parade, which is sponsored by the Museum of Popular Arts, has been held.  If you have been reading this blog for a few years, you know that "alebrijes" are colorful figures of fantastical animals.  The wooden sculptures created in Oaxaca are one of Mexico's best known forms of popular art, but "alebrijes" originated in Mexico City where they are created from cardboard and papier mache.   As the name of the parade implies, these "alebrijes" are enormous, and are wheeled down the streets of the city.  The largest are over twelve feet in height.   The parade had grown in size and popularity since its inception in 2007.  In that year there were forty "alebrijes".  This year there were around 300 entries.  There are also more and more marching bands, dancers, and people in costume, which give the event a carnival atmosphere.

Alejandro was not able to join me this year, so I went downtown by myself.  I claimed my spot along Juárez Avenue across from the Alameda Park.   Although the parade is well attended, the crowds are not nearly as overwhelming as those for the Day of the Dead Parade.  The parade was supposed to begin at noon.  I arrived on Juárez Avenue a little before 11:30 and there was hardly anyone along the street yet.  I had a "front row" position.  Even as more spectators arrived it was never a mad crush of people.

While waiting I saw groups of parade participants heading down the avenue toward the starting point.

It was about 12:30 by the time the parade arrived at my location.  As much as I enjoy this parade, it is very frustrating if you wish to photograph it.  Many times the people who created the "alebrijes" surround their figure as they march down the street, thus blocking a full view.  Then there are people simply walking along the parade route, professional photographers in the way, or, most infuriating of all, the vendors passing by selling their wares.  I always feel as if I am not getting any good photos.  However, I take so many that when I go through them at the apartment, I have more than enough decent pictures to make up more than one blog post.  In fact, there will be three entries on the parade.

The parade begins...

There's more to come from the Alebrije Parade.