🎉 Monumental Alebrijes Parade in CDMX

 🎉 Monumental Alebrijes Parade in CDMX

Every year, CDMX fills with color, music, and magic with the Monumental Alebrijes Parade, one of my favorite traditions that marks the start of the Day of the Dead celebrations. I’m sharing my photos and experiences from the 2023 edition. Every edition, a new experience!

📍 Where to watch the parade?

The parade goes from the Zócalo to the Independence Monument (the Angel), passing through iconic streets like 5 de Mayo, Juárez, and the entire Paseo de la Reforma. I chose to position myself near the Zócalo, right on 5 de Mayo street. From there, you can see the giant alebrijes coming out one by one, accompanied by music, batucadas, dancers, and a completely festive atmosphere.

  

  

  

  

  

  

💡 Tip:

Arrive early to get a good spot because it gets crowded quickly (and it’s totally worth it!). The parade starts around noon, but I recommend being there 2 hours in advance.

Although kids will enjoy, think on waiting time for them.

🎨 What to expect?

Imagine fantastic creatures several meters tall, full of color, textures, and creativity. Alebrijes are made by artisans, artists, and collectives from all over the country, and each one has its own story and style. It’s like stepping into a dreamlike world right in the city.




Watch them at the subway stations or train cars as the participants are arriving!



Dance with the rhythm of the drums, the sounds of the marimbas, and the excitement of the crowd, the parade becomes an experience you absolutely have to live at least once.

   

   

  

💡 Tips & recommendations

• Wear a cap or hat, sunscreen, and bring water, because you’ll be in the sun for several hours.
• If you can, bring a portable sit.
• A snack (I took a piece of fruit) also helps make the wait feel shorter.
• Arrive early to get a good spot because it gets crowded quickly (and it’s totally worth it!). The parade starts around noon, but I recommend being there 2 hours in advance.
• Although kids will enjoy, think on waiting time for them.
• Keep an eye on your companions and pick a meeting point; it’s easy to get lost.
• Don’t forget your cell phone or camera with enough battery! You’ll want to take lots of photos.

📷 And after the parade?

The alebrijes don’t disappear Once the parade is over, they remain on display along Paseo de la Reforma, from the Glorieta del Ángel to almost reaching La Diana. You can go any day to walk among them, see them up close, and discover details that aren't noticeable during the parade.

📅 The exhibition kicks off with the parade in mid-October and runs for three weeks until the first week of November.

🚇 How to get there?

Nearest metro station to the Zócalo:

Zócalo-Tenochtitlán (Line 2 – Blue)

Or you can also get off at:

Allende (Line 2)
Bellas Artes (Line 2 or 8) and walk toward Reforma if you want to see the final part of the route.

🍴 Nearby places to eat
After the parade or during the alebrijes exhibition, you can stop by:

El Cardenal (Palma #23) – Very close to the Zócalo, delicious Mexican food.

Café de Tacuba – A classic, on Tacuba Street.

Taquería El Califa or El Fogoncito – Good, more casual options near the Ángel.

Cheap and delicious, Tortas  La Casa del Pavo, Motolinia street

  More eating places suggestions:   Where to eat in Mexico City Downtown

🙌 Make the plan and share!
This plan is ideal for doing with family, friends, or even alone if you enjoy taking photos. If you go, tag me or tell me how it went, I’d love to know which alebrije was your favorite.