A journey through fantasy and Mexican tradition
Creatures of dreams, brought to life
Each autumn, the lobby of Tótem Madrid transforms into a space where Mexican tradition comes alive. From 23 October to 2 November, the hotel will host a new edition of its Altar de Muertos, a fleeting tribute that brings together tradition and contemporary art.
This year, it surprises with a theme never before seen in Spain: the Alebrijes.
Originating in Mexico City in the 1930s, Alebrijes were born from the vivid dream of Pedro Linares, a papier-mâché artist who imagined a forest filled with fantastic creatures, hybrids of different animals. Upon waking, he recreated them with cardboard and glue, giving life to figures that combine tradition, imagination and colour.
At Tótem Madrid, Mexican designer and jeweller Daniel Espinosa reinvents this legacy with an Altar that fuses traditional papier-mâché with a contemporary and sophisticated vision. The installation not only pays homage to Mexican craftsmanship, but also builds a bridge to Madrid, a city open to cultures from across the world and a stage where tradition is reimagined in a modern key.
In the heart of the Barrio de Salamanca, this ephemeral altar invites locals and visitors to experience one of Mexico’s most emblematic celebrations up close, transforming the hotel lobby into a space where memory, art and the city’s vitality converge.
Each altar preserves its memory while opening the door to new stories. This year, the Alebrijes come to life in Madrid, inviting everyone to discover a universe of colour and fantasy. A tribute that evolves with every autumn, offering the chance to experience the unexpected magic of Alebrijes in Madrid.