The Day of the Dead Murals III

The Murals of Jalatlaco

I cannot remember when I first climbed the hill to the main intersection of the barrio Jalatlaco. When you are first in Oaxaca of course you concentrate on the historic center with its baroque Spanish architecture, the eight museums, the cafes, restaurants and music venues...and the occasional trip to the craft villages. But once familiar with all that you begin to wonder what lies around you in this city of seven hundred thousand people.

Not surprisingly there are a number of interesting areas and barrios, each with its own character

But eventually climb the Jalatlaco hill I did and I arrived at the more or less center, San Matias Church...and was delighted to see from the churchyard the building across the street with its day of the day murals. That might have been five or so years ago and since then a great many more murals have been painted on the walls here. So many that I think it likely that those who have climbed the hill after me have come not to see the church but to see the murals. Certainly that is the hope of the merchants who have sponsored many of these street works. And this crossroads building is usually the starting place.

This is the second mural that incorporates the word...comparsa...and I believe that references a parade made up of musicians...a marching band. And you will notice that several of these characters are playing musical instruments.

I see that the mural is dated...I think it actually predates this 2018 date...perhaps later additions were made...but I cannot find the name or signature of the artist. One does not want to omit that as art begets art and public work begets more public work. Well, perhaps this person retired upon completion of this job and no longer wanted to be bothered.