Everyone can participate.
The “FFBCS 2025” (Festival Fantástico de La Paz) is a cultural festival held in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico, where the highlight is a parade and exhibition of large, fantastical sculptures called “Tewales,” the word “Tewal” originates from the Cochimí language and means “big thing,” reflecting the monumental size of the sculptures, which often incorporate themes related to local flora and fauna, marine life and local wildlife to emphasize the importance of conservation aiming to celebrate and promote the region’s art and cultural heritage while raising awareness about environmental protection. The tewales were inspired by Mexican “alebrijes”which are “brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures depicting fantastical creatures” – essentially, imaginative animal figures with mixed features, often painted with vibrant colors, considered to be spirit guides in Mexican culture; both are typically made from papier mâché or wood.
All he sculptures are made using the traditional Mexican art form of cartonería,which is a traditional Mexican art form of making papier-mâché sculptures. It’s a key part of Mexican culture and is used to create a variety of subjects, including piñatas, dolls, and skeletons
Teams from different sectors of the community, including artists, educators, cultural agents, and local businesses, collaborate to create the Tewales.
During the festival, the Tewales are showcased in a grand parade through the streets of La Paz, followed by an exhibition where people can appreciate the details of each sculpture.
The Baja California Sur Fantastic Festival aims to pay tribute to the artisans, artists and traditions that have forged Mexico’s identity, as well as those who have carried this legacy beyond our borders.
In its second edition, the festival gives special recognition to the pioneers of this community initiative, who encouraged us to firmly believe in this project and consolidate it in the city of La Paz, Baja California Sur, taking inspiration from the fantastic Tewales, protectors of the oceans.
Creators and community leaders with plastic skills to participate in the creation of monumental sculptures, the “Tewales”. The purpose of this initiative is to promote and develop popular arts, exchange learning experiences with other artisans and promote awareness for the preservation of the environment, while contributing to the dissemination of arts and crafts.
The sculptures will address the theme of the protection of land and water, being an artistic expression that highlights the importance of preserving cultural heritage and biodiversity.
The FFBCS 2025 Committee will select 16 participating teams, 8 for each category (Creators with Career and General) to make these sculptures. The selected projects must meet the requirements of this call and the Jury’s decision will be final.
A parade will be held within the framework of the Baja California Sur Fantastic Festival, on July 11, 2025, in which the participating Tewales and the winners will be announced.
Join and participate to bring these monumental works to life!