Alebrijes

An alebrije is a figurine created from parts of multiple animals as one and they are colorful with some type of shapes or lines on it. These creatures are known as spirit animals and no two are exactly alike. They are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures or deceased loved ones that are displayed at the grave of the loved one on El Día de los Muertos. Alebrijes are important to the celebration because it is believed that these creatures lead people who have passed on their journeys. The specific animal that a person makes is based on their spirit animal, and in honor of their family members who passed away. People bring photos of them, their favorite foods, and they make sugar candy skulls, also called calaveras.

Alebrijes originated in Mexico City in 1936 when a man named Pedro Linares was the first man to create the alebrije. While he was sick, he dreamed that he was walking in a forest and the rocks, clouds and trees began transforming into what we now know are alebrijes. In his dreams, he heard a crowd of voices repeating the word alebrije. After he recovered from his illness, he began to create the creatures he saw in his dreams. They quickly became popular and now are a part of the culture.

Alebrijes are mostly made out of papier mâché and wood, but the can be made out of other materials like wire, cardboard and even cloth. There are many ways they are displayed. They are displayed in The Mexico City Alebrije Parade to honor Mexican folk art which is usually held along Paseo de la Reforma in Mexico City. They are also displayed on altars or ofrendas, or at the Museum of Popular Art, where for the past few years, they held contests for alebrijes. They are also displayed in homes or given as gifts. Alebrijes can come in many shapes and sizes so they will not all look alike. There is no wrong or right way to make one. We took an online quiz to determine our spirit animals and then created our alebrijes based on these personality characteristics, adding bright colors that we liked.