Ruta de Murales

I can't stop raving about something I did this weekend, by myself and somewhat spontaneously thanks to Instagram (the best way to find out what's happening around town): a "Ruta de Murales." Essentially, it's a walking tour of Los Pepines, the neighborhood that was the birthplace of the murals now seen all over the city. I've been wanting to do it ever since my on-field orientation cohort spent a cultural day in the city back in August. It was SO worth the RD $300 ($6), as it included three food and drink stops. 

We - a group of maybe 20 or so, including several families with kids - met near the monument. From there, a team of two guides took over. We had ample time to take pictures while being enlightened by their commentary on the neighborhood's historic and cultural significance. The murals aren't just art for art's sake; they have stories to tell and messages to share with the community and the world.  

#sorrynotsorry for the number of pictures you're about to experience!

In addition to murals, there are a number of "casas muralizadas"(muraled houses) on the route. There's a difference!

The neighborhood's first mural. 

Stop #1: Empanadas and jugo (juice) at Doña Petra's house. 

Some murals adorn more than just walls. Any and every surface can have artistic value. 

Calle Doctor Eldon in Los Pepines. 

One of the city's most famous murals. Its message is that Dominican women should feel confident and beautiful just as they are, even if they choose to go out in curlers, sans makeup. 

Marchantes (street vendors), in this case, selling flowers. 

Stop #2: Dulces at Doña Julia's house. Mine was batata (sweet potato) and coconut. Mmmmmm!

Doña Julia. 

Mandalas were a recurring theme. 

We took a group picture by this mural of the traditional lechon masks worn during Carnaval (I'm waiting to become Insta-famous if it ever gets posted on Instagram!)

We were also treated to a performance...

and had the opportunity to take pictures with the kids in costume!

Stop #3: Mabí at Don Francisco's house. Mabí is a kombucha-esque, non-alcoholic drink that nonetheless gets its flavor from the fermentation process. We were told the variety we sampled was more juice-like than is traditional. My mabí de zanahoria (carrot) was so refreshing!

  

If you sit on the step facing the boy in the foreground, it looks like he's reading to you!

The neighborhood art school, training up the next generation of muralistas. 

Spontaneous Sunday afternoon street dancing!

The tour ends around sunset, back at the monument, which is lighted at night. 

If you ever come to visit, we're doing this! I'm also convinced it'd be a thoroughly enjoyable cultural excursion for our DR FORO collaborators and short-term teams. There are 3-4 scheduled per month, and private ones can be organized with a minimum of 10 people...yes, in English!

Until next time, blessings!