When Alejandro drives me from the family house to the apartment, we usually pass by the Jamaica Market. (I have written numerous times about that wonderful place with its countless flower vendors.) I've noticed that near the market the concrete supports for the elevated Metro route have paintings. So, I decided to take a closer look. I took the subway to the Jamaica stop, and instead of going inside the market, I crossed the street to where the murals are.
The murals seem to be recently painted. They are scarcely vandalized by graffiti. Also, the entire area under the bridge appears to have been recently landscaped with plants and shrubs, low walls of volcanic rock around the plantings, and curving pathways. Lest I make this sound all too lovely, it has also a haven for homeless men. There are people, perhaps drunk or drugged, sleeping on the ground. Others have brought in old, broken-down sofas to make themselves more comfortable. It gave me pause as to whether I should continue. However, there were plenty of other people around, even city workers tending the landscaping. So, I walked about half a mile down this street with the grandiose name of Avenida Honorable Congreso de la Unión taking photos of the paintings. I had no problems. The homeless (those who were awake) barely gave this gringo a second glance. I don't, however, think that I would venture into this neighborhood at night.
It took me a while before I realized that the paintings had a theme. They all depicted Mexican holidays.
The first one, with the national emblem of the eagle and the serpent, represents Mexican Independence Day, September 16th.
Next was the feast day of La Candelaria (Candlemas) on February 2nd. On that day, people take their images of the Baby Jesus to church to be blessed and then go home to a meal of tamales.
The Christmas season is represented with a painting of children breaking a piñata.
Pilgrims carry the image of the Virgen of Guadalupe on her Saint's Day, December 12th.
The Three Wise Men are depicted for the Day of the Kings (Epiphany) on January 6th.
The burning of a Judas figure made of papier mâché is a tradition on the Saturday before Easter.
This painting depicts the Battle of Puebla when the Mexicans defeated the French army on "Cinco de Mayo".
A "catrina" (an elegantly dressed skeleton) represents the Day of the Dead on November 2nd.
After crossing a street, there was change of themes. Now the paintings were landscapes or depictions of local landmarks.
The volcano Popocatépetl
This is the government building for the borough of Venustiano Carranza (which is the location of this street). The old airplane in front is used as a public library.
The gold gilt angel at the top of the Independence Monument
Delightful!
ReplyDeleteA very nice collection of street art.
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