Mark your calendars and let your friends know! The Museum of Popular Art (MAP) has announced the date for the 2026 Monumental Alebrijes Parade in Mexico City. It’s a colorful event where we’ll see enormous fantastical figures crafted by artisans from across the country.
This parade is a true tradition in Mexico City. It has been held every year leading up to the Day of the Dead for nearly two decades. Its 18th edition is all but confirmed, as the organizers have issued a call for entries to participate in the contest and the parade; furthermore, they have confirmed the details of the parade route.
Here is the date for the 2026 Monumental Alebrijes Parade in Mexico City
As detailed in the MAP’s call for entries, the Alebrijes Parade in Mexico City will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. sharp. The route will go from the Zócalo to the Angel of Independence, passing through streets such as 5 de Mayo Avenue, Juárez, and Paseo de la Reforma.
Once the parade ends, the participating pieces will be displayed along Paseo de la Reforma (between the Estela de Luz and the Angel of Independence) to form an exhibition, which you can visit from October 17 to November 8, 2026.
So if you can’t make it to the parade or want to take your time viewing the pieces, mark the exhibition date on your calendar. Both the exhibition and the parade are free to attend. Get your camera ready because you’ll be taking plenty of photos.
This parade is part of a contest in which participants will create alebrijes up to 2.6 meters tall. Cash prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place; the winners will receive $70,000, $50,000, and $40,000, respectively.
Registration will open on June 19 and close on August 21, 2026. Here is the full call for entries for you to check out.
