Gorditas El Gordo
by City Mischief

This mural, located on the side of Gorditas el Gordo, represents a classic Mexican town square. Colorful buildings are further brought to life with music, dancing, and people selling their goods. Everyone has a smile on their face as they make their way through the busy streets. The lively scene is appetizing to those looking for a feel-good meal. There are many objects in the mural that illustrate classic Mexican culture such as the mariachi band and Jarabe dancers, however, the artists go further to share a deeper Mexican culture that is not stereotypically known in the United States. These images bring a positive and nostalgic feeling to the viewers of the mural.

 

Gorditas el Gordo is located in a Hispanic neighborhood, so the details remind those viewing about their shared culture. The authenticity is communicated through celebrating all aspects of Mexican culture, including that of Indigenous people. These details include Papel Picado (Mexican cut-paper art) strung between two buildings, showing the ornate detail and care Mexicans put into art. There are also merchants in the street, one being a merchant who is selling dolls and has caught the attention of a little girl. This simple part of the image serves to bring more life to the subjects in the background of the painting, creating a bustling scene. In the center foreground, there are two boys adoring a baby lamb held in one of their arms. Both have big smiles as they share the attention of the precious lamb. The two women under the arches on the right side who are talking seem to be dressed in traditional Purépecha dresses which are a common representation of indigenous culture. Wearing these dresses was a form of resistance during Spanish occupation as the Europeans wanted to promote their own form of dress along with Catholicism. Though Indigenous clothing was never outright banned by the Spanish, it was discouraged to the point that wearing indigenous clothing, such as Purépecha dresses, could be dangerous. Regardless, the practice of wearing Purépecha dresses stayed past Spanish rule and stayed into the present day as a celebration of preserved culture. Also under the span of the arches, there is a woman traditionally weaving, which is a beautiful and creative outlet for Mexican women. The assortment of woven blankets hanging on the line to the women's left shows the attention to detail and skill that is required to produce such beautiful textiles. Perhaps the most important message is the “vota” sign present on the left corner of the arches placed prominently on the mural. The sign has the same colors in the same placement as the Mexican flag to allude to the fact that Mexico at its core should be a democracy. Mexico is a country that, like many, has been vulnerable to corruption and negative influences over democratic values. The message contained within this mural is that Mexico is full of a rich, diverse, and determined population that deserves to have their voices heard through voting so that each of them can have an equally emphatic voice in the direction of their country.