Fantastical 'alebrije' creatures fill Mexico City streets ahead of Day of the Dead

Brightly colored, oversized alebrijes fill the streets of Mexico City as part of the annual Museo de Arte Popular Alebrije Parade leading up to Day of the Dead. Alebrijes were first created in the 1930s which are fantastical papier-mâché and wood sculptures combining real and mythical animals.

The parade typically travels from the historic Zócalo square to the independence monument, where the massive figures remain on public display. In addition, the event features marching bands, dancers in regional Mexican costumes, and hundreds of thousands of spectators.