San Juan (EFE).- Three protest-themed murals are being painted in the iconic San Juan neighborhood of La Perla, part of a community revitalization effort ahead of a surge of visitors expected at Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico residence.
The initiative, La Perla Pinta Su Futuro II, is led by artists Karina Taveras, Rafael Enrique “Rafique” Vega, and Héctor “Ekosaurio” López. It is supported by the Good Bunny Foundation, founded by the global music star and Rimas Foundation.
Karina Taveras is currently working on a mural titled Aún Estamos Aquí (“We’re Still Here”) in the San Miguel square, one of the sectors of La Perla.
The community, known internationally as the backdrop of Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee’s Despacito video, is once again under the spotlight.
“This mural is a visual testimony of La Perla’s resistance and unbreakable spirit,” said Taveras. “The community continues to fight, but it keeps its flag high.”
Taveras’ mural features two key scenes: On the pavement, a young girl floats in the ocean surrounding La Perla, holding the Puerto Rican flag. On the wall, vibrant portraits of local women symbolize the unity and strength that define the neighborhood.
Honoring history and identity
Close to the historic Santa María Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery, Rafael Vega’s piece Raíces del Barrio (“Roots of the Neighborhood”) focuses on Afro-Caribbean identity.
It features an anonymous face representing the area’s African-descendant population.
“My goal is to preserve Puerto Rican history while merging Caribbean indigenous symbols with today’s reality,” said Vega.
Meanwhile, Héctor López’s mural Somos Costa, Somos Fuerza (“We Are Coast, We Are Strength”) uses the image of the sea grape plant, a hardy coastal shrub, as a metaphor for the resilience of La Perla residents.
“This plant survives harsh sun, salty winds, and hurricanes. It stands firm and protects its environment,” López explained. “La Perla has done the same, resisting decades of abandonment and marginalization.”
Community-led transformation
In addition to the murals, 52 homes will be repainted as part of the project, a follow-up to a 2017 initiative that impacted over 400 residences.
“This is about rescuing what’s been lost. Over time, the homes have deteriorated,” said Yashira Gómez, president of the La Perla Community Impact Association. “Each mural holds a symbol tied to the community’s ongoing struggle.”
A photography exhibition tracing the history of La Perla will also open in August at the Antiguo Matadero, further boosting local cultural pride.
The surge of revitalization follows the release of Bad Bunny’s latest album Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Mañana, which includes the track No Me Quiero Ir De Aquí, a tribute to Puerto Rico that blends reggaetón with traditional salsa and plena.
With murals, music, and memories, La Perla is reclaiming its story, and preparing to welcome the world.
jm/seo/mcd