Streets of Mexico City were alive with color and celebration Saturday as giant alebrijes, fantastical figures created decades ago, made their annual parade through the capital.

Alebrijes, traditionally small handcrafted figures designed to ward off nightmares, are often composed of multiple animals and painted in vivid colors.

"We must not let this type of tradition fall, the alebrijes, to remember our culture, our origins." said Raúl Matías. "The Day of the Dead is coming."

In recent years, artisans have transformed them into massive sculptures, some reaching up to 7 meters (23 feet) tall and weighing as much as 300 kilograms (661 pounds).

During the parade, the towering creatures interacted with spectators and were accompanied by dancers in folkloric costumes from across Mexico.

The event marks the start of the Day of the Dead season, drawing both locals and tourists to witness this unique celebration of life, death, and Mexican craftsmanship.

AP Video shot by Amaranta Marentes