Puerto Vallarta Street Art: Exploring 5 de Diciembre
Exploring Puerto Vallarta’s street art in Colonia 5 de Deciembre
Within my first few days in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, after I’d already noticed a few pieces of street art, I came across a blog post titled with a walking guide to see a number of Puerto Vallarta’s works of street art. The guide started in the 5 de Diciembre area of the city, an area I hadn’t yet seen much of. I decided the guide would be a good way to explore that area as well as finding street art. A delightful surprise was that I discovered more street art than was listed in the guide.
The self-guided tour started at the El Panteón Cemetery at the corner of Calle Brasilia y Calle San Salvador. Street art covered the wall around the cemetery.
It was nice to find so many pieces in one location, although many were worn and in need of touching up. But this was just the start of my street art discovery tour. I would discover many other impressive pieces.
Colonia 5 de Deciembre
Colonia 5 de Diciembre is located just north of the central downtown area (El Centro) of Puerto Vallarta. It was one of the first areas outside of El Centro to be developed. It is largely residential with a blend of locals and expats, a majority of whom are year-round residents. It feels more like a traditional neighbourhood than a tourist destination, the predominant aura in other parts of the city.
Mercado del Mar, the city’s largest fish market is across the street from the cemetery. It is interesting to walk through even if you aren’t there to purchase fish.
As I walked the streets, every so often I’d catch a pleasant whiff of a sweet, floury aroma. I quickly learned to recognize that meant I was approaching a tortilla bakery.
The Our Lady of Refuge (Nuestra Señora del Refugio) church was built in the 1960s. It is located in front of Miguel Hidalgo Park, one block north of the Malecon.
Misael Ivan Lopez
The above mural of Einstein, located on Calle Columbia between Calle San Salvador and Calle Nicaragua, was on Sarah’s tour. It is signed by Misael. Back home, I did some research and discovered that several of the murals I’d liked in the 5 de Diciembre area were created by Misael.
Misael Ivan Lopez was born in 1987 in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico. When he was two, his family moved to Minnesota. In 2010 he was deported back to Mexico. After some culture shock, he discovered a love for Mexican indigenous and ancient art. That and his time in the U.S. have shaped his own art. In January 2018, he opened his own gallery The Hive Studio and Galería at San Salvador #370. The area near the gallery contains several murals he created or collaborated on.
Coral Restore Mural Project
The above mural on Calle Venezuela is one of many in Puerto Vallarta (and other places in Mexico) created as part of the Restore Coral Mural Project. Restore Coral is an organization working for the restoration of reef systems in Mexico, starting with the Mesoamerican Reef System. The Mesoamerican Reef, also known as the Great Mayan Reef, stretches for over 1,000 kilometres starting at the tip of the Yucatán Peninsula and continuing south along the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. In recent decades, the Mesoamerican Reef System has experienced a density loss of 75% endangering hundreds of marine species. The organization seeks to create spaces for the restoration, reproduction and care of coral reefs working in collaboration with scientists and civil society. The Restore Coral Mural Project uses urban art to raise awareness.
More Street Art
Sarah’s guide goes on to other areas of the city, but I didn’t follow it beyond 5 de Diciembre. I had already discovered some of the pieces she listed on Isla Cuale. Over the remainder of my stay in Puerto Vallarta, I hunted out street art as I explored the city. I will write about street art in other areas of Puerto Vallarta in an upcoming post.
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So many of these look magnificent. I like the idea of cemetery walls decorated by street art. We’re used to cemeteries having a somber look and instead here’s all that color. Also impressed with the Einstein portrait.
Ken, even without murals like this, cemeteries in Latin America can be colourful.
What a wonderful selection of street art – it really brightens the place up. And I would never have associated street art with cemeteries, but why not…
Karen, I too wouldn’t have associated street art with cemeteries, but I liked it.
What vibrant colors! I love street art, too, wherever I find it!
Irene, and it’s great that street art is becoming more prevalent in so many places.
Wow, amazing and colourful street art. I really liked the lizard and the octopus, but I couldn’t quite decide what Winnie the Pooh and his pot of honey were doing in the last one.
Cindy, there was definitely impressive street art in Puerto Vallarta. And, like art of all kind, it can evoke different responses in different people.
Are there no end to Puerto Vallarta’s charms? I can’t believe how many works of street art you found! My favorite is the woman with the butterfly on her face — fantastic!
Patti, that is one of my favourites too. And there doesn’t appear to be an end to Puerto Vallarta’s charms. I discovered so many great things, but think there are still many things I have yet to see or experience.
It is amazing how street art has taken off around the world. I’ve never heard about the street art at Colonia 5 de Diciembre, so enjoyed seeing some samples and especially like butterfly lady.
Carole, I’m glad you enjoyed seeing the samples I included here. And it is amazing how street art has taken off. You can find it in such unexpected places.
Love street art and this 5 de Deciembre dies not disappoint. Especially like Misael’s. Will try to visit his studio when I get there!
Carol, I didn’t get to his studio. I only found out about it after I returned home. I will definitely visit it when I get back to PV some day.
love street art & self guided tours. Looks like a great way to see PV at your leisure.
RoseMary, I too love street art and self-guided tours.
There’s nothing like vibrant street art especially in Mexican towns like Puerto Vallarta. Thanks for the eye candy!
Elizabeth, I’m glad you enjoyed the eye candy.
I loved this street art all the pictures are worth seeing. Hope once I get chance to visit these all.
Abhishek, I’m glad you enjoyed the pictures.
I love walking where ever we travel. There’s something about seeing everything and randomly finding surprises along the way. The street art tour sounds delightful.
Sue, I too love walking and discovering things that way.
What wonderful street art, I would love to visit for that alone. I especially love the one that wraps around the corner.Wings in motion!
Alison, that mural wrapped around a corner was pretty amazing. It wasn’t one listed on the “tour” I was following so it was a delightful surprise.