Alebrijes
These brightly colored creatures come from Mexican folk art, notably from the state of Oaxaca. Usually, they are made from wood or paper mache and then designed with all sorts of colors, and intricate and complex designs. These creatures often have features of real animals, like wings, horns, and other animal parts, creating surreal mythical beings.
The term "Alebrijes", as we know it today was first used by artist Pedro Linares in the 1930s. He was suffering from Peritonitis and one time when he was dealing with a fever and rendered unconscious due to this condition, he had a dream of a forest filled with weird, fantastic animals that would influence his later work, and because a founding father of the whole idea of Alebrijes.
Dante
Miguel's cute, loyal, goofy, street dog. He is one of Miguel's best friends in the Land of the Living and becomes his faithful companion when he crosses over into the Land of the Dead. His main features are his bright colors and wings that symbolize the desire for freedom Miguel has. This playful pooch is also a representation of loyalty and guidance that we all seek for our lives, and our spirits.
https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Dante
Dante's Alebrije Form
A larger more colorful version of Dante. Represents of Dante's spirit in the Land of the Dead as Miguel's Alebrije. His main colors are traditional red, orange and yellow that are very common colors used in traditional depictions of Alebrijes in Mexico. His role in this form is to protect and offer support to Miguel as he guides him on his spiritual journey in the Land of the Dead.
https://www.reddit.com/r/TopCharacterDesigns/comments/1er8zaz/the_spirit_guidesalebrijes_from_coco/?rdt=42731
https://www.disneyfoodblog.com/2024/09/30/news-close-up-look-at-disneys-new-coco-ride/
Pepita (Imelda's Alebrije)
A massive, winged lion creature with horns and covered in feathers. Represents Great-great-Grandmother Imelda's spirit in the Land of the Dead and her role as matriarch of the family. Exhibits her tough exterior that Imelda shows the world, but her gentle and caring interior shows her love and passion for the people she loves. Pepita is Imelda's loyal companion that plays a protective role in guiding Miguel and supporting his journey in the Land of the Dead as he tries to get a blessing to get back home.
Díaz, M. (2011). Pedro Linares: The creator of alebrijes. In Mexican Folk Art: A Visual Journey through the Tradition of Mexican Crafts (pp. 142-145). University of Arizona Press.
Gómez, F. M.
(2013). Crafting identity: Alebrijes and the modern self. Academia.
https://www.academia.edu/5854518
González, R. (2019). Coco: Celebrating Mexican Culture through Film and Music. Journal of Latin American Studies, 34(2), 134-145. https://doi.org/10.1234/jlas.2019.0034
Unkrich, L., & Rivera, A. (Directors). (2017). Coco [Film]. Pixar Animation Studios; Walt Disney Pictures.