By Delia Ruelas

“Heart of Michoacán: Purépecha Heritage” is the name of the new mural created by visual artist Marisol Mancilla. The piece is part of a series of murals sponsored by the Municipal Institute of Art and Culture, which aims to strengthen community identity and pride in public spaces.

The mural, located at the San Jerónimo plaza, pays tribute to the traditions and cultural roots of the Purépecha community established in Rosarito.

According to artist Marisol Mancilla, community participation was key to the project—from rehabilitating the wall to supporting the mural’s development. “The work seeks to reflect the richness of Purépecha culture, especially from Janitzio. The mural depicts the island of Janitzio, Lake Pátzcuaro, as well as traditional Purépecha dances such as the butterfly dance, the fish dance, and the dance of the old men. It also highlights iconic symbols of the Day of the Dead celebration,” she explained.

The main idea, she said, was to create a piece that truly belonged to the community by representing these emblematic Purépecha symbols. During the weeks she spent painting, neighbors brought her traditional dishes, turning the experience into a cultural exchange. “It was a very enriching and rewarding process for me. I believe it is important to come together as a community to rehabilitate our spaces and, above all, to take care of them. I felt very welcome and it was an honor to get to know everyone,” Mancilla shared.

María Isabel Peredo, director of the Municipal Institute of Art and Culture, emphasized that the mural program has two purposes: rescuing public spaces so that residents feel a sense of belonging, and supporting local artists with well-paid commissions for excellent work. The murals are carried out with support from the Municipal Department of Social Welfare.

For his part, Lázaro Guzmán, representative of the Purépecha community in colonia Constitución, praised the artist’s work. He highlighted that the mural not only makes visible the presence of Purépecha families in Baja California but also reflects the unity that keeps their community strong.