{"id":2004631,"date":"2025-07-09T23:08:15","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T21:08:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pre.efe.com\/?p=2004631"},"modified":"2025-07-10T17:50:33","modified_gmt":"2025-07-10T15:50:33","slug":"la-perla-revives-with-protest-murals-ahead-of-bad-bunny-fan-influx","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pre.efe.com\/en\/other-news\/2025-07-09\/la-perla-revives-with-protest-murals-ahead-of-bad-bunny-fan-influx\/","title":{"rendered":"La Perla revives with protest murals ahead of Bad Bunny fan influx"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\u2019s Puerto Rico residence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The initiative, La Perla Pinta Su Futuro II, is led by artists Karina Taveras, Rafael Enrique \u201cRafique\u201d Vega, and H\u00e9ctor \u201cEkosaurio\u201d L\u00f3pez. It is supported by the Good Bunny Foundation, founded by the global music star and Rimas Foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Karina Taveras is currently working on a mural titled A\u00fan Estamos Aqu\u00ed (\u201cWe\u2019re Still Here\u201d) in the San Miguel square, one of the sectors of La Perla. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The community, known internationally as the backdrop of Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee\u2019s Despacito video, is once again under the spotlight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis mural is a visual testimony of La Perla\u2019s resistance and unbreakable spirit,\u201d said Taveras. \u201cThe community continues to fight, but it keeps its flag high.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Taveras\u2019 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Honoring history and identity<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Close to the historic Santa Mar\u00eda Magdalena de Pazzis Cemetery, Rafael Vega\u2019s piece Ra\u00edces del Barrio (\u201cRoots of the Neighborhood\u201d) focuses on Afro-Caribbean identity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
It features an anonymous face representing the area\u2019s African-descendant population.<\/p>\n\n\n
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\u201cMy goal is to preserve Puerto Rican history while merging Caribbean indigenous symbols with today\u2019s reality,\u201d said Vega.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Meanwhile, H\u00e9ctor L\u00f3pez\u2019s mural Somos Costa, Somos Fuerza (\u201cWe Are Coast, We Are Strength\u201d) uses the image of the sea grape plant, a hardy coastal shrub, as a metaphor for the resilience of La Perla residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis plant survives harsh sun, salty winds, and hurricanes. It stands firm and protects its environment,\u201d L\u00f3pez explained. \u201cLa Perla has done the same, resisting decades of abandonment and marginalization.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThis is about rescuing what\u2019s been lost. Over time, the homes have deteriorated,\u201d said Yashira G\u00f3mez, president of the La Perla Community Impact Association. \u201cEach mural holds a symbol tied to the community\u2019s ongoing struggle.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A photography exhibition tracing the history of La Perla will also open in August at the Antiguo Matadero, further boosting local cultural pride.<\/p>\n\n\n
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The surge of revitalization follows the release of Bad Bunny\u2019s latest album Nadie Sabe Lo Que Va a Pasar Ma\u00f1ana, which includes the track No Me Quiero Ir De Aqu\u00ed, a tribute to Puerto Rico that blends reggaet\u00f3n with traditional salsa and plena.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With murals, music, and memories, La Perla is reclaiming its story, and preparing to welcome the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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