A Symbol of Mexican Heritage
If you’ve ever been around downtown Los Angeles, you might’ve heard about the famous El Grito (The Cry) mural. For those who haven’t, it’s a beautiful piece of art that holds a special place in the hearts of the Mexican community.
This iconic mural in Placita de Dolores across Union Station is steeped in history and brimming with cultural significance.
The Birth of a Movement
So, what’s the story behind El Grito? Well, it all started with the original Bell of Dolores.
Back in 1810, a priest named Father Hidalgo rang this bell in Dolores, Mexico, kicking off the Mexican Wars of Independence from Spain. The mural commemorates this pivotal moment in history when Hidalgo urged the peasants to rise up against Spanish rule.
And rise up, they did! The movement led to Mexican independence in 1821
A Gift from Mexico
In a show of friendship, the Mexican government gifted a replica of the Bell of Dolores to Los Angeles in 1968. The city, in turn, commissioned the El Grito mural to complement this generous gift.
The Making of a Masterpiece
Carrillo’s Creative Process
The genius behind the El Grito mural is the talented artist Carrillo. He put his heart and soul into creating the perfect design, inspired by the historical events surrounding Father Hidalgo’s call to arms. Carrillo started with a series of large-scale “cartoons” and then moved on to crafting 300 of his own ceramic tiles, each measuring 1 square foot.
A Labor of Love
But Carrillo didn’t stop there, he also whipped up his own slips and glazes for painting the tiles. In addition, he invited a bunch of eager students to lend a hand with the firing and installation process.
These lucky apprentices got the chance to learn the art of large-scale mural design and construction firsthand from a true master.
A Lasting Legacy
The El Grito mural, completed in 1979, stood tall at 8′ x 44′ feet. With intricate ceramic tile details that tell the story of a people’s struggle for independence.
This historic, political, and cultural gem is a testament to the enduring spirit of the Mexican community in Los Angeles and beyond.
So, if you ever find yourself in downtown LA, swing by Placita de Dolores at 831 N Alameda St. and take a gander at this incredible work of art.
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The El Grito (The Cry) Mural in Los Angeles
| Artist | Eduardo Carrillo |
|---|---|
| Address | Placita de Dolores. 831 N Alameda St., Los Angeles, CA 90012(click to view) |
| Size | 8′ X 44′ ft |
| Medium | Ceramic Tile |
| Date | 1979 |
| Type | Historic Political Cultural |
| Source | themcla.org |
References
- Google Arts & Culture. (n.d.). El Grito: The Cry for Freedom – Museo Eduardo Carrillo. Retrieved from https://artsandculture.google.com/story/el-grito-the-cry-for-freedom-museo-eduardo-carrillo/PgWRZMTI28uxKQ?hl=en
- El Pueblo. (n.d.). Celebrating Eduardo Carrillo. Retrieved from https://elpueblo.lacity.org/articles/celebrating-eduardo-carrillo
- ThoughtCo. (n.d.). Mexican Independence: The Cry of Dolores. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/mexican-independence-the-cry-of-dolores-2136414
