Wednesday, September 17, 2025

Parades of skeletons and alebrijes draw huge crowds in Mexico City

Over the weekend, thousands of people in Mexico City attended two parades inspired by the upcoming Day of the Dead festivities.

According to Mexico City Mayor Martí Batres, an impressive 650,000 people watched the parade of “alebrijes” on its path along Paseo de la Reforma to the Historic Center on Saturday, while another 60,000 spectators attended the parade of elegantly dressed skeletons, called “catrinas”, on Sunday.

A parade of alebrijes the size of small monuments took over Mexico City’s Paseo de la Reforma on Saturday. (Rogelio Morales/Cuartoscuro)

“Alebrijes” are brightly colored fantastical creatures, credited to artisan Pedro Linares in the 1930s, which are usually made of wood. 

The parade, organized by the Museum of Popular Art (MAP), featured a collection of 200 car-sized papier mache sculptures that have now been installed in a temporary exhibition along Paseo de la Reforma until Nov. 5.

At the “Catrinas” parade, over 250 professional makeup artists painted the faces of participants.

People of all ages attended the event, wearing colorful costumes, floral headbands and skull face makeup.

On Sunday, participants and spectators showed up in their best "skeleton attire" for the massive Catrinas - or skeleton - parade.
On Sunday, participants and spectators showed up in their best “skeleton attire” for the massive Catrinas – or skeleton – parade. (@martibatres/X)

Even pets joined in, wearing skeleton costumes and floral motifs on their heads. 

“It is a unique event in the world,” said a German tourist who traveled to Mexico City for the parades, quoted in newspaper El Universal.

“I recommend everyone experience it at least once in their life. The energy you feel is wow! It is incredible, Mexico and its traditions are incredible.

These events, among others that will take place in the city to celebrate Day of the Dead, are expected to generate over 11 billion pesos in revenue this year – 60% more than in 2022. 

Spectators enjoyed lavish costumes donned by participants in the parade of “catrinas” on Sunday. (Moisés Pablo/Cuartoscuro)

With reports from MSN, Infobae, El Universal and El Universal

Have something to say? Paid Subscribers get all access to make & read comments.
pre-Hispanic artifacts

Culture Ministry denounces planned US auction of Mexican artifacts

2
Not only is Mexico's Culture Ministry taking legal action to stop the auction, but they are also demanding that the artifacts be rightfully returned to Mexico.
women victims in Las Muertas

The true story behind Netflix’s ‘Las Muertas,’ via one of Mexico’s most celebrated writers

0
Director Luis Estrada's new film is based on Jorge Ibargüengoitia’s famous 1977 true crime novel about a brutal chain of brothels that haunted Guanajuato and Jalisco from 1945 to 1964.
Mexican flag

The complicated relationship between Mexicans and Mexico

4
Although Mexicans love their country and are very proud of it, they often have some conflicting ideas on the subject.
BETA Version - Powered by Perplexity