When we study the great Mexican muralists, we often think of Diego Rivera or David Alfaro Siqueiros, both renowned worldwide. We know we can admire their murals if we travel to Mexico City, Guadalajara, and many other places, even internationally

However, we can enjoy the great works of the Mexican muralism era right here in Rosarito. Of course – and surely many Rosaritans know this – I’m writing about the murals adorning the entrance, the lobby, of Hotel Rosarito.

The internationally recognized muralist, and native of Michoacán, Matías Santoyo, after receiving a scholarship from UNAM and presenting works in New York, returned to Mexico via Playas de Rosarito. Here he undertook the task of starting two grand and beautiful murals.

He was also a film actor, starring in important films of the time like “Zitari” and “Profanación,” and he did the scenography for the film “Juan Soldado” (Louis, Gasnier, 1938), filmed in Tijuana and starring the comic actor Don Chema.

Entering the lobby through the now famous main door, where above the frame reads, “Through this door pass the most beautiful women,” we can observe the walls on both sides painted in the Mexican muralism style of the 1930s.Both murals depict scenes of traditional Mexico.

Specifically, on the north side, we see a beautiful morning in the magical town of Taxco, detailing the stunning Santa Prisca Cathedral.

On the south wall, we appreciate a distant view of Lake Pátzcuaro and the island of Janitzio from the 1930s, and on its left side is Acapulco Bay in the same decade, or possibly earlier, depending on when the artist last visited these places. On this same side, in the lower corner, we can see the artist’s signature, Matías Santoyo. And next to his name, the date is sealed: 1937. There are many interesting details. On the Taxco side, we see illustrated Lucia, the sister of Manuel Barbachano, the hotel’s founder. Lucia carries her baby in her arms.

On the south side, just above the artist’s signature, my favorite section: there, with a touch of humor, Santoyo painted the village drunkard, who, along with his dog, came every afternoon to “supervise” the master’s work. As his visit was daily, Santoyo decided to add him to the mural.