Creatures and Dead People and Marvelous Mexico City

 So, I was at my new and wonderful hairdresser's shop last week-end, and he tells me that they will be closing off Paseo de Reforma (the gorgeous main thoroughfare down which I walk to get there), in order for there to be an Alebrije Parade "What's that?", I ask, as any curious minded Gringa might. "Well", he said. "It's hard to explain. I don't think any other country has anything like it." (My hair dresser left Armenia at 14, moved to Greece, then London where he got his license, and has been in Mexico for 7 years-and yes, he speaks all of the accompanying languages.) He was right. On my walk home I was treated to something wonderful and unique. Alebrijas are usually small, carved, fantastical creatures made by a local artisan community. Once a year, and this was only started a few years ago, they have a parade to celebrate this uniquely Mexican thing. They invite the artists to create larger than life Alebrijas, which are place on wheeled carts, and paraded down Reforma where they are judged and a winner announced. I did not have my camera that day, but my bus passes these wonders every day on my way home from school. I took some inferior pictures through the bus window yesterday, and I plan to walk back to Reforma with my camera before they are removed from their temporary home lining the Paseo. Even inferior photos are better than not seeing them at all. The first pictures are from the Internet of the small Alebrijas to give you an idea. The rest are from the bus window.

   And, all this just happens to coincide with preparations for Dia de Muerta in Mexico, or Day of the Dead for all you fellow Anglos. Because my school is an American school, we celebrate both American and Mexican holidays, and my Mexican colleagues sort of mourn the blending of these two very distinct holidays in our school. And yet, the Ofrendas, or Alters that have been put up outside each classroom are so wonderful. Some are more traditional ofrendas- meant to honor dead ancestors, and some are a mixture of Halloween and Day of the Dead. House mothers put these together, because they would never dream of imposing on a teacher's time to plan parties and make decorations. Teachers are busy enough with all their teaching duties! ( I know, right?). I took a few minutes on Friday to walk the halls of the Lower School and take pictures. Aren't they wonderful?

Can you imagine an elementary school in the States decorating with skulls and caskets? Yeah, me either. There is so much joy and appreciation of beauty here- in all its forms. Muy bueno.