Murals are an integral part of Mexican culture dating back to the ancients who decorated their homes with frescos that told stories of everything from human sacrifice to everyday life. In the 1920s the Mexican government used murals and even financially supported muralists, Diego Rivera being the most famous, to educate people on the new post-revolutionary order. Murals adorn every village in Mexico with health messages to whimsy.
Mural in the stairwell of the National Palace in Mexico City. Diego Rivera
Today, whole villages are painted bright colors to create pride and interest for their residences.
A small village not far from Bacalar.
We recently learned of a mural project in the village of nearby Chacchoben. Guests of our neighbors stumbled upon it by taking a wrong turn, on the way to visit some nearby pyramids. Of course we had to check it out. There are no wrong turns in Mexico.
The village has been transformed.
A Mexico City artist, Carmen Mondragón, now living in Quitana Roo worked with residents to paint eighty lovely murals on the walls of their village of 1,700 people.
The artist at work from her website.
The idea was to bring art to the people. There are streets of butterflies, ladybugs, flamingoes, and lovely little Mayan people adorning the stores, school, town square and even abandoned buildings.
Everywhere we looked were delightful paintings.
I especially love her people.
As much as I love to share finds like this one, I cringe to think what tourism could do to this sleepy little town. We saw others taking pictures so word is getting out slowly. I’d love to meet Carmen and sent her a message through Facebook. Fingers crossed. I am off this week to Oaxaca for a week of painting with artist Connie Solera. Just maybe painting murals will be somewhere in my future. DOS TORTAS
the adventures of dos tortas 
Have a safe trip!!! I SO enjoy your Sunday blogs!!!
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Thanks Laird. This is the time of year I question whether anyone is reading!
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Oh my gosh, what charming murals! Carmen is incredibly talented — I especially love the whimsical giraffe in the last one and how it ties into the building’s paint scheme. I do understand what you say about not wanting to publicize a special find like this too much, though, lest hoards of tourists descend!
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I love the giraffe too. The murals were wonderful. This little town is transformed.
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It was so delightful to explore this enchanting place with you. I also love the murals, and hope you carry out your aspirations. Then I can say I know a famous Mexican muralist.
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Karen! You will be missed. I love your spirit of adventure. You will find happiness wherever you go.
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Fabulous! ᐧ
On Sun, Nov 12, 2017 at 12:17 PM, the adventures of dos tortas wrote:
> afish25 posted: “Murals are an integral part of Mexican culture dating > back to the ancients who decorated their homes with frescos that told > stories of everything from human sacrifice to everyday life. In the 1920s > the Mexican government used murals and even financially s” >
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This country never ceases to amaze.
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Got to love a colourful mural!
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Gotta love whimsy.
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