With all the access to have to information and the past, sometimes it’s easy to think our minds are playing us some tricks when we see a picture of a character with different details or colors. Like the monocle of the Monopoly man! But, no! It’s not a Mandela Effect! Big Bird never changed colors in Sesame Street; the one you remember is no other than his funny Mexican cousin Abelardo.
Many Hispanics remember the adorable yet extravagant green and red bird from the beloved show, while they are a bit shocked when they see the original yellow version. However, they’re two completely different characters, Big Bird (the famous yellow creature) has many cousins from all over the world, all gorgeous and all special; Abelardo, is only one of them.
Recently, Big Bird’s official account on Twitter decided to put the debate to rest and introduced us to his feathered relatives from different countries. “I heard my friends on Twitter were asking about my cousins around the world! It’s true, I have a lot of bird cousins in different countries. Here’s a little bit about them,” said the iconic gigantic bird!
Meet Big Bird’s Cousins from All Over the World
Abelardo (Mexico)
Abelardo Montoya is the main character of Plaza Sésamo, the Mexican co-production of Sesame Street. He is a giant, friendly parrot puppet with a green body, a yellow beak, and a head of pink and red feathers.
Pino (Netherlands)
Pino is a beloved character from the Dutch version of Sesame Street, called Sesamstraat! He’s a large, cheerful blue bird who embodies the spirit of a four-year-old.
Minik Kuş (Turkiye)
With his vibrant reddish-orange coat and a head crowned in playful pink, Minik Kuş takes flight on Susam Sokağı, the Turkish Sesame Street. Like the iconic Big Bird, he brings warmth and wonder to young viewers.
Poupas (Portugal)
Poupas! He’s not actually part of the American Sesame Street, but rather a beloved character from Rua Sésamo, the Portuguese co-production of the show. He has a vibrant orange body and distinctive blue and purple feathers on his tail and head, adding a pop of color.
Garibaldo (Brazil)
He’s is the superstar of Vila Sésamo, the Brazilian co-production of Sesame Street. He possesses a gentle and fun-loving nature, bringing laughter and lightheartedness to Vila Sésamo.
Caponata (Spain)
Caponata the hen is a character from Barrio Sésamo, the Spanish version of Sesame Street. She was a bubbly and stylish red and yellow hen, the size of a person.
Toccata (France)
Soaring onto French screens, Toccata graces Rue Sésame as the show’s resident big bird. This gentle giant, clad in snowy white feathers and sporting wise brown eyebrows, resembles a majestic seagull or albatross.
