Is the movie Coco based on a real Mexican legend?

Coco is not based on a single specific legend but is deeply rooted in the real Mexican holiday, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). The filmmakers conducted extensive research in Mexico to authentically portray the traditions, such as the ofrendas (altars), marigold bridges (cempasúchil), and alebrijes (spirit guides), ensuring cultural accuracy and respect.

What is the main message of Coco?

The core message of Coco is the importance of family, memory, and honoring one's ancestors. It explores the idea that true death only occurs when we are forgotten by the living. It encourages viewers to cherish their heritage and keep the stories of their loved ones alive across generations.

Why is music forbidden in Miguel's family?

Music is forbidden because Miguel's great-great-grandfather left his wife (Imelda) and daughter (Coco) to pursue a career as a musician. This abandonment caused Imelda to ban all music from the family, a rule that was strictly upheld for generations until Miguel challenged it to follow his dream.

What is the significance of the song 'Remember Me'?

The song serves as the emotional anchor of the film. Originally written as a lullaby from a father to his daughter, it was later repurposed as a famous pop song. Its true meaning—a promise of love across distance and memory—is key to resolving the story's conflict and healing the family's past.

Are alebrijes real creatures in Mexican folklore?

Alebrijes are brightly colored Mexican folk art sculptures of fantastical creatures. In the movie Coco, they are reimagined as spirit guides in the Land of the Dead. While the concept of spirit animals exists in Zapotec traditions, the colorful, composite style of alebrijes originated in the 1930s by artist Pedro Linares and was incorporated into the film's mythology.

Is the Land of the Dead based on real places?

Yes, the visual design is inspired by real Mexican locations like Guanajuato, known for its colorful, stacked buildings. The film faithfully represents Día de los Muertos traditions and aesthetics.

Who voices Miguel in Coco?

Miguel is voiced by Anthony Gonzalez. He was 12 years old when he was cast and provided both the speaking and singing voice for the character.

What is the name of the dog in Coco?

The dog's name is Dante. He is a Xoloitzcuintli (Xolo), a hairless Mexican breed that is often associated with guiding souls to the underworld in Aztec mythology.

Is Mama Coco a real person?

While the character is fictional, the filmmakers met with many real families in Mexico during their research. In 2018, a woman named María Salud Ramírez Caballero was identified by fans as a potential real-life inspiration due to her striking resemblance, though Disney has stated the character was not based on any specific individual.

What year does Coco take place in?

The film takes place in 2017, the same year it was released. However, the story is timeless in its exploration of family history and the connection between generations.

Overview Characters Weapons & Gear Media Collectibles Places & Experiences

Coco Characters

Full character index for Coco, including roles, relationships, factions, and key story moments.

Character List

Filter the list by faction

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Mexican

Gender: Female

Age: 70s

Abuelita Elena Rivera

Coco

Miguel's strict grandmother who enforces the family's ban on music to protect the family tradition.

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Mexican

Gender: Female

Age: 70s

Personality

StrictProtectiveTraditionalCaringFierce

Abilities

Family disciplineTradition keepingProtective instinctsShoe throwing

Notable Items

Chancla (shoe)Family rulesProtective love

Quote:

No music!

Abuelita Elena Rivera – Coco character profile

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Xoloitzcuintli (dog)

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Dante

Coco

Miguel's loyal Xolo dog who guides him in the Land of the Dead and later transforms into an alebrije.

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Xoloitzcuintli (dog)

Gender: Male

Age: Unknown

Personality

LoyalPlayfulBrave

Abilities

Loyal companionAlebrije guidanceComic relief

Notable Items

Alebrije glow

Quote:

Woof!

Dante – Coco character profile

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Entertainment Industry

Race: Mexican

Gender: Male

Age: Deceased (appears 40s)

Ernesto de la Cruz

Coco

A famous deceased musician whom Miguel initially believes to be his great-great-grandfather.

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Entertainment Industry

Race: Mexican

Gender: Male

Age: Deceased (appears 40s)

Personality

CharismaticSelfishManipulativeVainTreacherous

Abilities

Musical performanceCharismaManipulationFame management

Notable Items

Golden guitarMansionStolen songs

Quote:

Seize your moment!

Ernesto de la Cruz – Coco character profile

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Mexican

Gender: Male

Age: Deceased (appears 30s)

Héctor Rivera

Coco

A charming trickster in the Land of the Dead who becomes Miguel's guide and reveals important family secrets.

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Mexican

Gender: Male

Age: Deceased (appears 30s)

Personality

CharmingLoyalRegretfulLovingResourceful

Abilities

Musical talentStorytellingTrickeryEmotional wisdom

Notable Items

Torn photoGuitarSongbook

Quote:

Remember me, though I have to say goodbye.

Héctor Rivera – Coco character profile

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Mexican

Gender: Female

Age: 99

Mama Coco (Socorro Rivera)

Coco

Miguel's great-grandmother, whose memories hold the key to the family's past and Héctor's fate.

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Mexican

Gender: Female

Age: 99

Personality

GentleWiseLovingFragilePrecious

Abilities

Memory keepingFamily wisdomEmotional strengthLove preservation

Notable Items

Family photosHéctor's lettersMemories

Quote:

Papá... Papá, is that you?

Mama Coco (Socorro Rivera) – Coco character profile

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Mexican

Gender: Female

Age: Deceased (appears 40s)

Mama Imelda Rivera

Coco

Miguel's great-great-grandmother and the matriarch of the Rivera family in the Land of the Dead.

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Mexican

Gender: Female

Age: Deceased (appears 40s)

Personality

Strong-willedProtectiveProudLovingForgiving

Abilities

LeadershipAlebrije summoningFamily protectionFierce determination

Notable Items

Alebrije PepitaFamily blessingMarigold petals

Quote:

Family comes first!

Mama Imelda Rivera – Coco character profile

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Mexican

Gender: Male

Age: 12

Miguel Rivera

Coco

A 12-year-old boy with a passion for music who embarks on a journey to the Land of the Dead to uncover his family's history.

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Mexican

Gender: Male

Age: 12

Personality

PassionateDeterminedRespectfulCuriousLoyal

Abilities

Guitar playingSingingDeterminationCultural bridge-building

Notable Items

GuitarFamily photoMarigold petals

Quote:

Music is not just in me... it IS me!

Miguel Rivera – Coco character profile

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Alebrije

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Pepita

Coco

Mama Imelda’s fierce alebrije spirit guide, a massive winged feline that protects the Rivera family.

Occupation: Unknown

Affiliation: Rivera Family

Race: Alebrije

Gender: Female

Age: Unknown

Personality

FierceProtectiveMajestic

Abilities

FlightProtectionTracking

Notable Items

Alebrije armor

Quote:

*mighty roar*

Pepita – Coco character profile

←Back to Coco

Share the Joy and Fun!

Spread the word to your friends and community.