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Mexico

What Are Alebrijes

What Are Alebrijes?

September 20, 2023

What are alebrijes? These spirit animal sculptures have evolved into a symbol of Mexico. Here’s our guide to Mexican alebrijes.

If you’ve ever been to a Mexican traditional market, you would have seen an alebrije. Alebrijes are sculptures of colorful and whimsical-looking spirit animals that have become an important part of Mexican culture. Originated in the 1930s in Mexico City, alebrijes are known for their imaginative combinations of animal features, often resulting in surreal and visually captivating forms.

These days, alebrijes animals are emblematic of Mexican folk art and creativity. They hold deep cultural significance and play an important role in Mexican traditions, including the Day of the Dead celebrations. Here’s everything you need to know about these Mexican spirit animals.

alebrijes animals - what are alebrijes - mexican spirit animals


Table of Contents

  • What are Alebrijes?
    • Origin and History of Alebrijes
    • What Does “Alebrije” Mean?
    • The Meaning and Symbolism of Alebrijes
      • Creativity and Imagination
      • Cultural Fusion
      • Spiritual and Mythological Significance
      • Individuality and Expression 
    • A Mexican Folk Art
    • Alebrijes and the Day of the Dead
    • What Are Other Day of the Dead Symbols?
    • The Alebrijes in Disney’s Coco
    • Where to See Alebrijes at Day of the Dead
    • Alebrijes: Mexican Spirit Animals
    • How Alebrijes are Made
      • Selecting the Material
      • Carving the Shape
      • Polishing and Preparing for Color
      • Painting the Albebrije
      • Finishing the Last Details
    • Where to Find the Best Alebrijes
    • What is My Alebrije?
    • The Importance of Alebrijes in Mexico

What are Alebrijes?

Origin and History of Alebrijes

Alebrijes were originally created by Pedro Linares, a Mexican artist and artisan from Mexico City. In the 1930s, Pedro fell ill and, during his illness, experienced vivid and surreal fever dreams in which he saw a strange place resembling a forest. In this forest, he encountered animals that transformed into fantastical creatures with extraordinary features and vibrant colors These creatures communicated with him, and upon his recovery, Pedro felt compelled to recreate them.

Pedro Linares started sculpting these creatures from cardboard and papier-mâché, giving life to the beings he saw in his dreams. He called them “alebrijes,” a term he coined for these surreal and imaginative creations. The use of wood in alebrijes became popular in the 1980s when a group of artisans in Oaxaca, led by Manuel Jiménez, transitioned from paper-mâché to wood carving, making alebrijes more durable and visually striking.

Welcome! I’m Nellie — a travel writer, book author, and worldschooling mum. Since moving to Mexico in 2021, I’ve been sharing my secret haunts, favorite towns, and the many things that make Mexico so special on this blog. Read about me here.

what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes


What Does “Alebrije” Mean?

The word “alebrije” (pronounced like “ah-lay-bree-hey”) has a magical sound to it, but it has a much simpler meaning to it. There’s no translation from Spanish to English. The original creator named them alebrijes when he was in a delirious fever dream, and some hypothesize that it’s a combination of three words:

  1. “Ale” from “Alegría” (happiness or fun)
  2. “Br” from “Bruja” (witch)
  3. “Ije” from “Embije” (Painting)
what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes in mexico city


The Meaning and Symbolism of Alebrijes

Even though the word doesn’t have a meaningful definition, these Mexican spirit animals do have a deep cultural impact on Mexico and evolved into a Mexican symbol.

Creativity and Imagination

The creation of alebrijes showcases the boundless creativity and imagination of Mexican artisans. There’s not a single way to make alebrijes; artists can use all sorts of materials and make combinations of features of every animal known to man and some other creatures that come straight from their imagination.

One of the things that make alebrije animals so unique as art pieces is that they can be not only a combination of creature features, but a combinations of art forms — from sculpture, to painting, to carving, or even glassblowing.

what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes

Cultural Fusion

Mexican alebrijes often incorporate elements from different animals and creatures, reflecting Mexico’s fusion of cultures. Mexico is a country with not just ONE culture as its culture is composed of an amalgam of the surviving aspects of their ancient civilizations, hundreds of years of Spanish and European domination, and the results of the evolution of its combinations.

See also  30 Cool Things to Do in Guanajuato 2025

The fusion of forms you can find in alebrijes animals mirrors the fusion of cultures in Mexican society. Since alebrijes is a form of art that is less than a hundred years old, it’s fair to assume that it’ll continue to evolve in the future, bringing even more cultural aspects to it.

what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes at museo de arte popular

Spiritual and Mythological Significance

Some people believe that alebrijes could be seen as a modern interpretation of ancient Mesoamerican spiritual concepts. For some, Mexican alebrijes are not just art pieces, they’re interpretations of mythical creatures. They’re seen as something like totems or spiritual animals linked to each person’s soul.

Alebrijes might represent a connection between the physical world and the spirit realm or be linked to shamanic practices and visions. It’s understandable they’re seen this way not only for their whimsical aspect, but because of the way they came to life straight from a dream of the artists who first made them.

What Are Alebrijes

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Individuality and Expression 

Each alebrije is unique, representing the individuality of the artist’s vision. The art of making Mexican alebrijes is so free that artists and artisans can use their boundless creativity and print their own style as creators.

This uniqueness encourages people to embrace their own creative expressions and celebrate their differences. Even alebrije makers can explore their individuality by finding the alebrije that goes best with their identity. 

what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes


A Mexican Folk Art

Mexican alebrijes have become a cherished part of Mexican folk art, celebrated both within Mexico and internationally, and continue to inspire artists and admirers with their unique and captivating forms.

They’re so popular within the Mexican idiosyncrasy that many people in Mexico don’t even realize they’re so “new”, thinking that they have always been a part of Mexican culture and traditions.

what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes


Alebrijes and the Day of the Dead

While Mexican alebrijes aren’t traditionally a part of Dia de Muertos celebrations, they have now made their way into the festivities and become popular Day of the Dead symbols.

Alebrijes are often incorporated into Day of the Dead celebrations as a way to honor deceased loved ones. They symbolize the fantastical and imaginative nature of the spirit world, bridging the gap between the living and the dead.


What Are Other Day of the Dead Symbols?

There are so many Dia de los Muertos symbols — every single item on the altar and in cemeteries represents something and has a meaning. Everywhere you go during Day of the Dead in Mexico, you’ll see paintings, figures and people made up and dressed like her — La Catrina, an elegantly dressed female skeleton adorned in European clothing and often depicted wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Marigold flowers are also known as “flor de Muerto” (Spanish for flower of the dead) and play a central role in Day of the Dead traditions. Cempasúchil symbolizes the beauty and fragility of life. Pan de muertos is a sweet and festive bread that is one of the most well-loved Day of the Dead symbols. You’ll often see it used as a decoration on altars and graves. Read more on Day of the Dead symbols here.

la catrina


The Alebrijes in Disney’s Coco

If you’ve seen the Disney movie, Coco, you’d know the importance of the alebrijes in Mexico. In the movie, Dante and Pepita, are the spiritual guides and guardians of the main characters. Pepita is the most visually striking of the two: a bright-green jaguar with ram horns and red-feathered eagle wings. Pepita is Mama Imelda’s spiritual guide and helps her seek for Miguel so he can return to the land of the living. 

See also  Is Mexico City Safe for Travel in 2025? 

Dante, the silly Xolo dog turns out to be Miguel’s guide in the underworld and (spoiler alert) in the end he’s revealed to be a winged alebrije with bright colors all over his body. Both of them play an important role in the Day of the Dead themed movie.

what are alebrijes - coco


Where to See Alebrijes at Day of the Dead

An excellent place to see alebrijes in life size is the Museo de Arte Popular, one of the best museums in Mexico City.  The museum is devoted to the weird and wonderful folk art traditions of Mexico and it has a massive collection of Mexican alebrije sculptures and other forms of visual arts that combine tradition with modernity.  At Day of the Dead, the museum also plays host to a colorful and ornate altar.

A massive alebrije parade takes place in Mexico City for Day of the Dead every year. It starts from the Zocalo, continuing along Avenida 5 de Mayo, then Paseo de la Reforma, ending at the Angel de la Independencia. Once the parade is over, you can see the alebrijes on display on Paseo de la Reforma.

what are alebrijes - mexican alebrijes


Alebrijes: Mexican Spirit Animals

Even though alebrijes are relatively modern creations, they have an undeniable connection to Mexico’s ancient cultures such as the Zapotec and Mixtec who believed in animal spiritual guides.

For the Zapotec people, the “tona” (which means both “animal” and “protective spirit”) was assigned to everyone on their birthdays, similar to zodiac signs. They had a calendar with 13 months of 20 days each, and each day had a different tona including:

  • Coyote
  • Lizzard
  • Armadillo
  • Turtle
  • Snake
  • Rabbit
  • Deer
  • Frog
  • Monkey
  • Owl
  • Eagle
  • Jaguar
  • Butterfly
  • Hummingbird
  • Fish
  • Snail

How Alebrijes are Made

Creating these vibrant and whimsical Mexican folk art sculptures is a fascinating and intricate process that’s steeped in artistic tradition. Artisans in workshops around Mexico spend hours in each one of these creations, as this process can be an exploration of form and color, and a deep dive into a spiritual and creative journey.

Selecting the Material

Alebrijes are typically carved from copal wood, which is native to the Oaxaca region and is relatively soft and easy to carve. This choice is vital as it must be soft enough to carve with ease yet sturdy enough to retain its shape. 

However, you can still find alebrijes made in papier-mâché as they were traditionally created, or other more modern materials such as resin, metal, or even crystal. The process will of course be different for every material, as well as the result, but every artist is free to create the alebrijes as they like them with the material they prefer, even if the traditional way is with copal wood.

how to make alebrijes - workshop in oaxaca

Carving the Shape

In the carving process, the artisan uses basic hand tools like chisels and knives to shape the wood into the initial form of the alebrije. It’s all about precision and attention to detail. Here’s where the shape of the creature comes to life and it can be as fun or crazy or as simple as the artist wants.

Some of the most common shapes or animal features you can find in alebrijes happen to be some of the animals that are present in Mexico’s myths and legends such as:

  • Snakes
  • Roosters
  • Eagles
  • Armadillos
  • Rabbits

But you can also find other features as:

  • Fish tails
  • Bug eyes
  • Dragon wings
  • Deer antlers
how to make alebrijes

Polishing and Preparing for Color

Once the carving is complete, the alebrije undergoes a thorough sanding and smoothing process. This ensures that its surface is even and refined, ready to be adorned with colorful tales. Copal wood may be soft and easy to carve, but that doesn’t mean it won’t need a dedicated artisan to make its surface smooth and even for painting.

The base coat is next — a layer of white or light-colored paint that serves as the canvas for the intricate designs that will soon grace the sculpture. Color is one of the main features of alebrijes, so the artist needs to make sure this base coat is perfect for what’s coming next.

See also  30 Fun Things to do in Cancun, Mexico in 2025
how to make alebrije

Painting the Albebrije

Now, the true magic begins. Artisans, often with years of experience, painstakingly paint the alebrije with vibrant and elaborate designs. Alebrije-makers do not hesitate in using vibrant, almost neon types of colors such as bright cyan, red, yellow or hot pink (rosa mexicano). The paints used are typically acrylic, delivering brilliant and enduring hues.

painting an alebrije

Finishing the Last Details

Detailing and final touches are where the masterpiece truly emerges. Tiny dots, fine lines, spirals, circles, flowers and additional features are carefully added to enhance the overall appearance and texture, bringing not only depth and dimension, but also personality, identity, and life.

Many alebrijes are adorned with intricate patterns, dots, and symbols, often inspired by Mexican indigenous cultures like Zapotec and Mixtec. However, you can also find alebrijes with different themes and styles that come straight from the artist or artisan’s vision. 

alebrijes animals


Where to Find the Best Alebrijes

While alebrijes are crafted by artisans across Mexico, the state of Oaxaca is particularly renowned for its alebrije tradition. In Oaxaca, the town of San Martín Tilcajete is especially famous for its alebrije artisans. You can visit workshops and galleries in San Martín Tilcajete to witness the creation process and purchase authentic alebrijes. Book a workshop tour to watch artisans carve the figures, then paint your own alebrije animal!

Other places in Mexico, such as Mexico City, Puebla, and parts of Guerrero, also have skilled alebrije artists and workshops. Exploring local markets, galleries, and craft fairs in these regions can lead you to discover unique and beautifully crafted alebrijes.

When seeking authentic alebrijes, it’s advisable to purchase from recognized artisans or reputable sellers to ensure the craftsmanship and authenticity of the artwork. Alebrijes are not only a testament to Mexican creativity but also a stunning representation of the fusion between art and fantasy.

mexican alebrijes - alebrijes mexico


What is My Alebrije?

Some people in Mexico believe that we each have our own alebrije. Everyone’s spirit animal is different and is determined by their exact birthdate and the year they were born. If you want to know what is your Mexican spirit animal, we recommend traveling to Oaxaca and have a proper reading of your birth chart.

For a more casual and less formal reading, this website “Silencio” actually allows you to enter your birthday (month, day, year) and gives you an image of your alebrije as well as a description of what each one represents in you. However, it’s important to note that this website does not use the Zapotec calendar for reference.

what is my alebrije


The Importance of Alebrijes in Mexico

Alebrijes are an enchanting and colorful form of Mexican folk art that have captured the imagination of people worldwide. Their origin, history, craftsmanship, imaginative designs, and cultural significance make them an integral part of Mexican cultural heritage. 

Whether as decorative pieces or collectible art, alebrijes continue to fascinate and inspire. So if you ever visit a Mexican traditional market and see these colorful little friends, you’ll know what lies behind their unique Mexican spirit animals.

For those who are planning to travel more of Mexico, check out other articles I’ve written on Mexico:

  • My Guide to Celebrating Day of the Dead in Mexico
  • Best Places to Celebrate Day of the Dead
  • Day of the Dead in Mexico City
  • Day of the Dead in Oaxaca
  • Mexico Holidays and Traditions
  • 30 Mexico Fun Facts
  • Who is the Day of the Dead Catrina?

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!


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Nellie Huang

Nellie is a book author, travel blogger and worldschooling mum. Having traveled to over 150 countries, she currently lives in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, with her digital nomad family. She started this Mexico travel blog to share her love for her adopted home. Read more about her and get real-time updates from her on Facebook and Instagram.

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@wildjunket
Nellie Huang | Adventure + Family Travel

@wildjunket

✈️ Travel writer & @lonelyplanet author 🌎 Sharing all about digital nomad family travel 🗺️Visited 150 countries 📍 Singaporean in Mexico 🇲🇽
  • We recently stayed at a beautiful Airbnb in Valencia, Spain 🇪🇸 and we all enjoyed having it as our temporary home. 

With high ceilings and an open concept, the loft is a rare find in a big city like Valencia. It has 3 queen beds, large cushy sofas, a big dining area and even a work desk - perfect for digital nomads like us. 💻

It’s located next to the hip Russafa district and the lush Parque Central, steps from tapas bars and supermarkets. We spent €150/night for this place, which we found pretty reasonable.

Comment AIRBNB and I’ll dm you a link to the apartment.

P.S. We paid for the stay ourselves, just wanted to share this rare find with y’all! 

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Spain with kids | Valencia travel | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel 
#spainwithkids #uniquestays #valenciahotels  #uniqueairbnb #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily  #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
  • I might be biased as my husband is from Spain and I lived in Spain for 7+ years… but I think Spain has the best food in the world! 🇪🇸 🍷🥘🍤🫒

Our recent trip back to Spain felt like a culinary journey, where we had all of our favorite dishes (mine’s seafood!) and probably ate more than we should. 

We had paella in Valencia where it was meant to be eaten, fresh mussels right on the beach, perfectly grilled octopus just off the grill, tangy snails in Madrid, and way too many tapas to count.

We ate our way through Madrid, Calpe and Valencia and returned back to Mexico with our stomachs and hearts full. 

📌Save this list for your next trip to Spain!

Madrid

Arroceria d’stapa — the best arroz con bogavante (lobster rice) I’ve ever had!

@Txapelamadrid — amazing pintxos and traditional txakoli from northern Spain

@Loscaracolesdeamadeo — excellent snails and old-school vibes 

@Cavabaja17 — yummy tapas in lively La Latina

Calpe/Javea

@Safra.calpe — amazing seafood on the beachfront of Playa de Fossa

@costamarifach — great prices, comfort food at the base of the Calpe peñon

@Calabandida — set right on the marina, their black-ink fideua was to die for!

@Lulubeachclub — stylish joint with gourmet food and man-made ‘beach’

@Calaclemence1 — hip, lively spot perched over Cala Portitxol

Valencia

Mercat Central — Touristy but excellent jamon, fruit and oysters 

El Paeller — Amazing paellana valenciana (with rabbit and chicken)

Osteria Pedrin — The freshest oysters Ive ever had!

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Spain with kids | Spain food | Where to eat in Madrid | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel 
#spainwithkids #spanishfood #wheretoeatmadrid #madridfood #wheretoeatvalencia #valenciarestaurants #familytravel #travelwithkids
  • A few summers ago, Alberto and I spent 2 blissful weeks in Greece, just the two of us. And it was truly magical! ☀️🔱🏛🧿🌊🧜🏻‍♀️🇬🇷

Sailing the Ionian Sea with @yachtgetaways, we spent our days snorkeling, paddle boarding and exploring gorgeous Greek towns. For the first time in years, we actually had time to nap, read and simply do nothing. 🤿🛥️🌊🌴

By the end of the trip, we felt refreshed and truly rested. It was the break that we never knew we needed!

What are your plans for this summer??? Travel, hit the beach, or simply do nothing? 

#greecetravel #sailinggreece #summeringreece #digitalnomads
  • Facts that don’t match our IG feed:

1. We are not full-time travelers; we consider ourselves semi-nomadic, traveling often from our home base in Mexico. 🇲🇽 

2. As much as we love travel, we also enjoy having a home base and community. Living somewhere really allows us to immerse deeply and learn about a country’s culture. 

3. Like other families, we have boring days at home when we do laundry, clean the house, and take care of household chores. It’s not all beach days, mountain hikes and road trips! ⛰️

4. Both Alberto and I work full-time remotely. But that also means we need to be always connected, which can be challenging when we travel to remote places. 🛜

5. We hardly get real vacations (only at Christmas or when we’re in places with no wifi). We work even when we’re traveling. Sometimes it can be stressful and tiring. 👩‍💻

6. Despite being a travel writer and blogger, most of our travels are self-funded. We get hosted in certain hotels but we mostly pay our own way these days. 🌎

7. We don’t homeschool our kid; we make the most of school holidays and take Kaleya out of school often to travel. 🧳 

8. We’re not super wealthy and don’t have any trust funds — we work hard, we don’t spend money excessively, and we manage our finances well. 💰

9. Kaleya was born in Spain, then we lived in the Netherlands when she was 2-6 years old, and Mexico from 7-10 years old. When people ask her where she’s from, she always proudly says Spain! 🇪🇸 

10. Now that Kaleya is 10yo, it’s easy to travel with her! She packs her own bag, reads on her Kindle during downtime and walks everywhere with us. But there are still days when she complains, refuses to walk, and wants to do nothing. 🤪

Just trying to keep it real! Who else can relate to these?

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel 
#familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #digitalnomads
  • My parents taught me to dream big ✨— that anything is possible as long as you work hard for it. That big dreams aren’t just for other people — they’re for anyone who’s willing to go after them.
⁣
That stuck with me.

And now, I want my kid to grow up seeing that too. I want her to know the world is huge and full of opportunity. That she’s capable of chasing whatever lights her up inside.

So we travel. We say yes to adventure. 

Because the best way to teach her to dream big… is to chase my own dreams.

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel 
#familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
  • We’ve just spent a few days in Valencia 🇪🇸 visiting our friends and sussing out the city to see if we can perhaps live here in future. And as it turns out, we love it more than we expected to! 

Valencia is the third biggest city in Spain, but the green spaces, bike lanes, and city beaches make it feel livable and friendly. It’s vibrant, international and energetic, just what we’re looking for.

For those of you planning a visit with kids, here’s our Valencia itinerary: 

Day 1 (Ciutat Vella or Old Town)

⛲️Start at the Mercat Central 
⛪️ Visit the Cathedral 
🕍 See the Lonja de Seda (Silk Exchange)
🦪 Have fresh oysters at Osteria Pedrin 
🥘 Try Paella Valenciana at El Paeller
🏰 Climb up the Torre Serrano
🥛 Drink horchata at Orxateria Santa Catalina

Day 2 (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències)

🚲 Rent a bike (Flexibiles has kids bikes for 15euros/day) 
🪴 Cycle through Turia Park, one of the biggest in Europe
🛝 Stop at Parque Gulliver, a giant playground for both kids and adults 
🛸 See the futuristic Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias, which consists of a few buildings 
🏛️ Visit the Museo de Ciencias (science museum)
⚗️ See an IMAX show at the planetarium l’Hemisferic
🪼 Explore the Oceanografic, the biggest aquarium in Europe

Day 3 (The beach)

🚢 Head to the Valencia Marina
🌊 Stroll along the beachfront or enjoy a day on the beach (Malvarrosa is the most popular)
🦞 Enjoy seafood at La Mar or Casa Carmela
🚶🏻‍♀️‍➡️Explore the neighborhood of el Cabanyal
🍺 Have a drink at Fabrica de Hielo
🌳 Dinner in the hip Russafa area

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Spain with kids | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel | Valencia with kids
#spainwithkids #valenciaspain #valenciawithkids #valenciaitinerary #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
  • Everyone talks about South of Spain but have you heard of these beautiful beach towns in Costa Blanca on the eastern coast? 

I lived in Spain for 7+ years (my husband is from here) and we’ve been to many beach destinations all over the South of Spain but they can get really busy. 🌊

We love how glorious and quiet the beaches and historic towns here are at this time of the year! These spots are just 1-1.5 hours from Valencia and Alicante, easily accessible by car or bus. 🏝️

📍 Altea — Voted the most beautiful old town in Spain, topped by a stunning cathedral 

📍Calpe — A laidback beach town dominated by the iconic monolith, Peñon de Ifach

📍 Javea — Quaint village surrounded by stunning coves, sea cliffs and beachfront restaurants 

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Spain with kids | Spain beaches | Soain travel | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels 

#spaintravel #spainbeaches #spain_vacations #costablanca #calpespain #javea #altea 
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  • 20 years on, we’re still traveling hand-in-hand… now with our kid in tow! Life would probably look very different if I hadn’t gone on exchange, met my husband, and got hooked to travel. 🌏

Funny how a small decision can make a huge difference in life. So glad I chose this path — I wouldn’t have it any other way! 

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel 
#familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digitalnomads
  • We’re staying at an Airbnb in Calpe, Spain, that’s an actual architectural masterpiece. I’m pretty convinced this was the inspiration behind The Squid Game 🦑. 

Even though it looks like a fortress or a labyrinth, La Muralla Roja (The Red Wall in English) is an apartment complex designed by Ricardo Bofill (@BofillArquitectura) in 1968 and built in 1973. It houses 50 homes that are interconnected by bridges and patios.

[Pssst… Comment SQUID and I’ll send you a link to this Airbnb!]

The exterior’s various shades of red contrast with the landscape while the patios and stairs are painted light blue, indigo and violet to blend with the sky and the sea.

My kid especially loved the complex structure of the buildings. We spent hours getting lost in the labyrinth and exploring every nook and cranny.

Would you stay here?

👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 

Spain with kids | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel 
#spainwithkids #uniquestays #murallaroja #calpespain #uniqueairbnb #uniquehotels #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digital nomads #digitalnomadfamily #digitalnomads
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We recently stayed at a beautiful Airbnb in Valencia, Spain 🇪🇸 and we all enjoyed having it as our temporary home. With high ceilings and an open concept, the loft is a rare find in a big city like Valencia. It has 3 queen beds, large cushy sofas, a big dining area and even a work desk - perfect for digital nomads like us. 💻 It’s located next to the hip Russafa district and the lush Parque Central, steps from tapas bars and supermarkets. We spent €150/night for this place, which we found pretty reasonable. Comment AIRBNB and I’ll dm you a link to the apartment. P.S. We paid for the stay ourselves, just wanted to share this rare find with y’all! 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Spain with kids | Valencia travel | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #spainwithkids #uniquestays #valenciahotels #uniqueairbnb #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily  #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
1 day ago
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1/9
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I might be biased as my husband is from Spain and I lived in Spain for 7+ years… but I think Spain has the best food in the world! 🇪🇸 🍷🥘🍤🫒 Our recent trip back to Spain felt like a culinary journey, where we had all of our favorite dishes (mine’s seafood!) and probably ate more than we should. We had paella in Valencia where it was meant to be eaten, fresh mussels right on the beach, perfectly grilled octopus just off the grill, tangy snails in Madrid, and way too many tapas to count. We ate our way through Madrid, Calpe and Valencia and returned back to Mexico with our stomachs and hearts full. 📌Save this list for your next trip to Spain! Madrid Arroceria d’stapa — the best arroz con bogavante (lobster rice) I’ve ever had! @Txapelamadrid — amazing pintxos and traditional txakoli from northern Spain @Loscaracolesdeamadeo — excellent snails and old-school vibes @Cavabaja17 — yummy tapas in lively La Latina Calpe/Javea @Safra.calpe — amazing seafood on the beachfront of Playa de Fossa @costamarifach — great prices, comfort food at the base of the Calpe peñon @Calabandida — set right on the marina, their black-ink fideua was to die for! @Lulubeachclub — stylish joint with gourmet food and man-made ‘beach’ @Calaclemence1 — hip, lively spot perched over Cala Portitxol Valencia Mercat Central — Touristy but excellent jamon, fruit and oysters El Paeller — Amazing paellana valenciana (with rabbit and chicken) Osteria Pedrin — The freshest oysters Ive ever had! 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Spain with kids | Spain food | Where to eat in Madrid | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #spainwithkids #spanishfood #wheretoeatmadrid #madridfood #wheretoeatvalencia #valenciarestaurants #familytravel #travelwithkids
2 days ago
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2/9
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A few summers ago, Alberto and I spent 2 blissful weeks in Greece, just the two of us. And it was truly magical! ☀️🔱🏛🧿🌊🧜🏻‍♀️🇬🇷 Sailing the Ionian Sea with @yachtgetaways, we spent our days snorkeling, paddle boarding and exploring gorgeous Greek towns. For the first time in years, we actually had time to nap, read and simply do nothing. 🤿🛥️🌊🌴 By the end of the trip, we felt refreshed and truly rested. It was the break that we never knew we needed! What are your plans for this summer??? Travel, hit the beach, or simply do nothing? #greecetravel #sailinggreece #summeringreece #digitalnomads
3 days ago
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3/9
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Facts that don’t match our IG feed: 1. We are not full-time travelers; we consider ourselves semi-nomadic, traveling often from our home base in Mexico. 🇲🇽 2. As much as we love travel, we also enjoy having a home base and community. Living somewhere really allows us to immerse deeply and learn about a country’s culture. 3. Like other families, we have boring days at home when we do laundry, clean the house, and take care of household chores. It’s not all beach days, mountain hikes and road trips! ⛰️ 4. Both Alberto and I work full-time remotely. But that also means we need to be always connected, which can be challenging when we travel to remote places. 🛜 5. We hardly get real vacations (only at Christmas or when we’re in places with no wifi). We work even when we’re traveling. Sometimes it can be stressful and tiring. 👩‍💻 6. Despite being a travel writer and blogger, most of our travels are self-funded. We get hosted in certain hotels but we mostly pay our own way these days. 🌎 7. We don’t homeschool our kid; we make the most of school holidays and take Kaleya out of school often to travel. 🧳 8. We’re not super wealthy and don’t have any trust funds — we work hard, we don’t spend money excessively, and we manage our finances well. 💰 9. Kaleya was born in Spain, then we lived in the Netherlands when she was 2-6 years old, and Mexico from 7-10 years old. When people ask her where she’s from, she always proudly says Spain! 🇪🇸 10. Now that Kaleya is 10yo, it’s easy to travel with her! She packs her own bag, reads on her Kindle during downtime and walks everywhere with us. But there are still days when she complains, refuses to walk, and wants to do nothing. 🤪 Just trying to keep it real! Who else can relate to these? 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #digitalnomads
4 days ago
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4/9
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My parents taught me to dream big ✨— that anything is possible as long as you work hard for it. That big dreams aren’t just for other people — they’re for anyone who’s willing to go after them. ⁣ That stuck with me. And now, I want my kid to grow up seeing that too. I want her to know the world is huge and full of opportunity. That she’s capable of chasing whatever lights her up inside. So we travel. We say yes to adventure. Because the best way to teach her to dream big… is to chase my own dreams. 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
5 days ago
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5/9
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We’ve just spent a few days in Valencia 🇪🇸 visiting our friends and sussing out the city to see if we can perhaps live here in future. And as it turns out, we love it more than we expected to! Valencia is the third biggest city in Spain, but the green spaces, bike lanes, and city beaches make it feel livable and friendly. It’s vibrant, international and energetic, just what we’re looking for. For those of you planning a visit with kids, here’s our Valencia itinerary: Day 1 (Ciutat Vella or Old Town) ⛲️Start at the Mercat Central ⛪️ Visit the Cathedral 🕍 See the Lonja de Seda (Silk Exchange) 🦪 Have fresh oysters at Osteria Pedrin 🥘 Try Paella Valenciana at El Paeller 🏰 Climb up the Torre Serrano 🥛 Drink horchata at Orxateria Santa Catalina Day 2 (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències) 🚲 Rent a bike (Flexibiles has kids bikes for 15euros/day) 🪴 Cycle through Turia Park, one of the biggest in Europe 🛝 Stop at Parque Gulliver, a giant playground for both kids and adults 🛸 See the futuristic Ciudad de Artes y Ciencias, which consists of a few buildings 🏛️ Visit the Museo de Ciencias (science museum) ⚗️ See an IMAX show at the planetarium l’Hemisferic 🪼 Explore the Oceanografic, the biggest aquarium in Europe Day 3 (The beach) 🚢 Head to the Valencia Marina 🌊 Stroll along the beachfront or enjoy a day on the beach (Malvarrosa is the most popular) 🦞 Enjoy seafood at La Mar or Casa Carmela 🚶🏻‍♀️‍➡️Explore the neighborhood of el Cabanyal 🍺 Have a drink at Fabrica de Hielo 🌳 Dinner in the hip Russafa area 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Spain with kids | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel | Valencia with kids #spainwithkids #valenciaspain #valenciawithkids #valenciaitinerary #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily
6 days ago
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6/9
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Everyone talks about South of Spain but have you heard of these beautiful beach towns in Costa Blanca on the eastern coast? I lived in Spain for 7+ years (my husband is from here) and we’ve been to many beach destinations all over the South of Spain but they can get really busy. 🌊 We love how glorious and quiet the beaches and historic towns here are at this time of the year! These spots are just 1-1.5 hours from Valencia and Alicante, easily accessible by car or bus. 🏝️ 📍 Altea — Voted the most beautiful old town in Spain, topped by a stunning cathedral 📍Calpe — A laidback beach town dominated by the iconic monolith, Peñon de Ifach 📍 Javea — Quaint village surrounded by stunning coves, sea cliffs and beachfront restaurants 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Spain with kids | Spain beaches | Soain travel | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels #spaintravel #spainbeaches #spain_vacations #costablanca #calpespain #javea #altea #spainwithkids #murallaroja #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digitalnomads #digitalnomadfamily #digitalnomads
1 week ago
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7/9
@wildjunket
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20 years on, we’re still traveling hand-in-hand… now with our kid in tow! Life would probably look very different if I hadn’t gone on exchange, met my husband, and got hooked to travel. 🌏 Funny how a small decision can make a huge difference in life. So glad I chose this path — I wouldn’t have it any other way! 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digitalnomads
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
@wildjunket
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We’re staying at an Airbnb in Calpe, Spain, that’s an actual architectural masterpiece. I’m pretty convinced this was the inspiration behind The Squid Game 🦑. Even though it looks like a fortress or a labyrinth, La Muralla Roja (The Red Wall in English) is an apartment complex designed by Ricardo Bofill (@BofillArquitectura) in 1968 and built in 1973. It houses 50 homes that are interconnected by bridges and patios. [Pssst… Comment SQUID and I’ll send you a link to this Airbnb!] The exterior’s various shades of red contrast with the landscape while the patios and stairs are painted light blue, indigo and violet to blend with the sky and the sea. My kid especially loved the complex structure of the buildings. We spent hours getting lost in the labyrinth and exploring every nook and cranny. Would you stay here? 👋🏻 Hi! I’m Nellie, a travel writer and I share all I’ve learned about digital nomad family travel here. So glad you’re here! 🌏 Spain with kids | Digital nomad family | traveling with kids | worldschooling | family travels | family adventures | digital nomad family travel #spainwithkids #uniquestays #murallaroja #calpespain #uniqueairbnb #uniquehotels #familytravel #travelwithkids #adventurefamily #worldschooling  #slowtravel #nomadiclife #digital nomads #digitalnomadfamily #digitalnomads
2 weeks ago
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9/9
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