Areas that once served hot dogs and American fare before the transformation now serve authentic tacos, tamales and fish tacos. Lines of people celebrating Memorial Day waited hours to try out Casa California, one of the land’s new quick-service restaurants where visitors can make their own burritos. Pastel-colored statues of spirit animals and fantastical and mythical creatures dot the newly landscaped Alebrije Gardens, where visitors are encouraged to bring their children to hear traditional Hispanic folklore from a storyteller.Ī spirit animal statue at Alebrije Gardens. Sombreros and multicolored flannel scarfs hang on light posts. Walking around, the Mexican and Hispanic influence is heavy. The Mexican storyteller is part of the much-anticipated reopening of Fiesta Village, one of Knott’s Berry Farm’s main-themed lands celebrating Mexican and Hispanic culture.įiesta Village, originally opened in 1969, had partially closed last year as part of a significant renovation and reimagining of the land. The storyteller then ushered them out to enjoy the newly themed land and encouraged them “to pick up stories of your own.” (Spectrum News/Joseph Pimentel)įrom there, he regaled the tiny crowd and their parents with a tale about “The Goat in the Hills and the Mountains” and “A Bird of a Thousand Colors” - both familiar tales in traditional Mexican and Hispanic folklore. They are primarily heavy steel frames with wire shapes covered in papier-mâché and lacquer-coated to protect them from moisture.A storyteller spins a traditional Mexican folklore tale to children. Monumental Alebrijesġ9 monumentales, large alebrije sculptures that are taller than wider than an SUV, were displayed at Cantigny’s gardens and grounds. See their bios and contact information below. Six artists from Mexico City, recruited by the Mexican Cultural Center DuPage in West Chicago created the alebrijes. Garden tours, lectures, museum exhibits, and concerts tied in with the exhibit. The exhibit is also a celebration of cultural diversity through art.“Creatures of a Dream World” was a springboard for exploring many aspects of Mexican culture at Cantigny. We are always interested in growing our audience.

This colorful, fun, and family-friendly exhibit attracted many first-time visitors to the park, especially families. Our parkwide outdoor art exhibit featuring dozens of imaginary creatures inspired by Mexican folklore was on display June through October, 2022. Alebrijes Map Alebrijes: Creatures of a Dream World

Instal the new Monsters of Mican