Our Mural
Our Story
This mural is a vibrant celebration of Latin American heritage, masterfully painted by Carlos Barboza. It serves as a visual symphony of the region's rich flora and fauna, featuring national flowers and birds from Central and South American countries. At its heart, the mural depicts a poignant narrative of migration and hope, symbolized by the iconic Santa Catalina Arch and a family poised to embark on a new journey.
Integral to the mural are cultural legends, including the tale of the resplendent Quetzal, Guatemala’s national bird, which adds a layer of historical depth and reverence. Located in Oklahoma City, this mural not only beautifies the community but also serves as an educational piece that connects viewers with the spirit of Latin America and the universal story of seeking a better life.
The Resplandecent Quetzal
The Quetzal bird is featured in the mural for its deep cultural and symbolic significance to Latin America, particularly Guatemala. Known for its vibrant plumage and striking appearance, the Quetzal is celebrated as a national emblem of Guatemala, appearing on the country’s flag, currency, and other state symbols. Its inclusion in the mural pays homage to its status as "the most beautiful bird in all the Americas" and its historical importance.
Beyond its visual appeal, the Quetzal carries profound historical and mythological meanings. It is a sacred symbol in ancient Mesoamerican cultures, revered by the Maya people for its beauty and the legends associated with it. The mural incorporates the poignant tale of the Quetzal, which, according to legend, received its red chest from staining itself with the blood of a fallen Maya warrior prince, Tecun Uman, during the Spanish conquest. This story is a powerful symbol of sacrifice and the enduring spirit of the indigenous people.
Thus, the Quetzal in the mural serves as a bridge connecting the past with the present, embodying resilience, freedom, and the unyielding beauty of the Latin American spirit. Its presence enriches the mural's narrative, highlighting themes of struggle, liberation, and cultural pride, resonating deeply with both local and diasporic communities.
The Tucan
The Toucan, known for its distinctively large, colorful bill and vibrant plumage, symbolizes the rich and diverse ecosystems of Central America.
Incorporating the Toucan into the mural not only showcases the natural beauty of Belize but also serves to educate and connect the community in Oklahoma City to the broader narrative of Central American heritage. By featuring the Toucan, the artist, Carlos Barboza, emphasizes the themes of diversity and unity, reflecting the variety of life and cultures in Latin America.
The Iconic Arch of Santa Catalina
The Arco de Santa Catalina is prominently featured in the mural due to its iconic status as one of Guatemala's most recognizable landmarks, located in the historic city of Antigua. Its inclusion in the artwork serves several symbolic purposes.
Firstly, the arch is a powerful visual symbol of Antigua Guatemala's rich colonial history and architectural heritage. As a significant architectural feature surviving from the Spanish colonial period, it represents the blend of native and Spanish influences that shape Latin American culture and history.
Secondly, the arch is often seen as a symbol of resilience and endurance. Antigua, once the capital of Guatemala, was frequently devastated by earthquakes, yet the Arco de Santa Catalina has endured through centuries. This resilience resonates with the themes of survival and perseverance, which are central to the mural's narrative of migration and the search for a better life.
Lastly, the arch's visual appeal and its role as a gateway in Antigua—framing views of the Volcán de Agua—make it a metaphorical gateway in the mural, representing new beginnings and the passage from one life phase to another. It frames the central story in the mural, where individuals are depicted embarking on a significant journey, thus symbolizing the transition toward new opportunities and dreams.
Our Story With the Mural
The bus featured in the mural holds a symbolic significance as it represents Veronica's initial step into entrepreneurship and her broader journey toward a new life. This bus is depicted as the vehicle for Veronica and her family's migration, embodying the theme of movement and transition that is central to the story told by the mural.
Veronica's journey, as illustrated in the mural, is a narrative of hope and resilience. It portrays her decision to leave her homeland with her children in search of better opportunities. This act of migration is a common experience for many who leave Latin America, driven by the desire to provide a better future for their families, often facing immense challenges and uncertainties along the way. The mural captures this poignant moment of departure beneath the Arco de Santa Catalina, a symbol of new beginnings and enduring strength.
Tio Julio plays a crucial role in this narrative. He is not only a beloved family member but also a pivotal figure in Veronica's journey. Tio Julio is depicted as a man deeply committed to the well-being of his family, believing strongly in the promise of the American dream. He provided the initial financial support necessary for Veronica to embark on her journey, but his contribution went beyond mere financial aid. Tio Julio worked alongside the family, sharing in the hardships and successes of their new life in a foreign land. His presence in the mural underscores the importance of family support and communal effort in the pursuit of new opportunities.
The Dahlia
The Dahlia is native to Mexico and was cultivated by the Aztecs before Spanish colonization. They used it both as a food source and for ceremonial purposes. After colonization, the Dahlia was introduced to Europe where it became highly popular in botanical circles for its diverse forms and colors. In Mexico, it symbolizes national pride and has a deep connection with the country’s cultural heritage.
The Bayahibe Rose
The Bayahibe Rose, declared the national flower in 2011, is actually a cactus flower native to the Bayahibe area in the Dominican Republic. Its designation reflects the country’s commitment to environmental conservation, particularly the protection of native species. The flower represents the unique biodiversity of the Dominican Republic and the beauty of its natural landscapes.
Each of these flowers adds to the mural’s narrative by bringing a piece of Latin American history and culture to life, connecting viewers with the diverse botanical heritage of this rich and vibrant region.
The White Nun / La Monja Blanca
The Monja Blanca, or White Nun Orchid, is the national flower of Guatemala and was declared so in 1934 to symbolize peace, beauty, and art. It is a rare orchid endemic to the mountainous regions of Guatemala. The name and the delicate appearance of the flower are associated with purity and serene beauty, reflecting the cultural values of the Guatemalan people.
The Chuquiraga
Often called the "Flower of the Andes," Chuquiraga is native to the high altitudes of the Andean mountains in Ecuador. It is known for its resilience to harsh climates and its medicinal properties, used by local populations for centuries. The flower symbolizes the hardy nature and endurance of the Ecuadorian people.
The Peristeria Elata
Peristeria Elata, also known as the "Flower of the Holy Spirit," is the national flower of Panama. This unique orchid is revered for its striking appearance, where the center of the bloom resembles a dove, symbolizing peace and the Holy Spirit in Christian theology. It's a deeply significant flower in Panamanian culture, especially during religious celebrations.
Native to the lush rainforests of Panama and other parts of Central America, Peristeria Elata grows in the wild, typically thriving in the humid, shaded understories of the forest. Its rarity and distinct beauty make it a symbol of the mysterious and rich biodiversity of the region. In Panama, this orchid represents not just the natural beauty of the country but also spiritual purity and a divine connection, reflecting the deep religious sentiments of the Panamanian people.
Peristeria Elata, also known as the "Flower of the Holy Spirit," is the national flower of Panama. This unique orchid is revered for its striking appearance, where the center of the bloom resembles a dove, symbolizing peace and the Holy Spirit in Christian theology. It's a deeply significant flower in Panamanian culture, especially during religious celebrations.
Native to the lush rainforests of Panama and other parts of Central America, Peristeria Elata grows in the wild, typically thriving in the humid, shaded understories of the forest. Its rarity and distinct beauty make it a symbol of the mysterious and rich biodiversity of the region. In Panama, this orchid represents not just the natural beauty of the country but also spiritual purity and a divine connection, reflecting the deep religious sentiments of the Panamanian people.
Thespesia Grandiflora
Thespesia Grandiflora, commonly known as the Flor de Maga, is native to Puerto Rico and holds the status of the territory's national flower. Often mistaken for a hibiscus, it shares similarities with its relative but boasts unique qualities that set it apart. This large, robust flower is particularly adapted to the tropical climate of Puerto Rico, symbolizing the island's natural beauty and resilience.