HIP and CAFEMIN cocreate an Alebrije

Techialitzli, the alebrije that honors the stories of those who are migrating and their families. 

Last September HIP allied with CAFEMIN -an organization that gives shelter to hundreds of migrant women and families and that works in the defense of their human rights- to participate in an alebrije contest organized by the Museum of Popular Art in Mexico City. 

Through this activity we aimed to increase visibility, involve the migrants sheltered by CAFEMIN in cultural experiences during their stay in Mexico, promote an intercultural space for them, and strengthen the relationship between both organizations.

Our alebrije was named “Techialitzli”, which means “hope” in Nahuatl. Techialitzli tells its own story: the wings are those of a monarch butterfly, which represent the migration path of butterflies during the summer from south to the north; the corn horns represent the millenary food for many latinamerican cultures; the feet, the long trajectory that immigrants travel  when they leave their countries; the prickly pear (nopales), the arid ecosystem that is part of their journey and; lastly, the humming-bird that symbolizes a story teller.

The piece was submitted as part of the 14th Monumental Alebrijes Contest and Parade from the Museum of Popular Art. The parade was exhibited along Avenida Reforma in Mexico City on October 22th. Once the exhibition was over, the “alebrije”  was relocated to the Museum of Popular Arts in Coyoacan which is open to the general public.

Both HIP and CAFEMIN will continue fighting for the human rights of people who migrate and continue  promoting social justice and solidarity among our communities.

*Alebrijes are whimsical carvings depicting animals, people, objects, and imaginary creatures painted with intense colors and intricate patterns.