EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — New mural in downtown El Paso celebrates Mexican culture and a rapper from the Borderland.
Right on Mesa Street, across from the WestStar Tower, a new mural was unveiled that depicts rapper, musician and recording artist from El Paso, Krystall Poppin, wearing a colorful and ornate denim jacket “popping” with Mexican iconography.
The mural was made possible by a collaboration between the City of El Paso and Michelada Fest, a new festival celebrating anything and everything “michelada,” which is set to debut this Saturday with Krystall as its host.
“[They] contacted me, let me know that they wanted me to be part of their festival, and not only that… to make a mural in my honor,” Krystal said.
The mural depicts Krystall wearing a straw hat and a blue denim jacket that spells her name in the back and features the iconic symbol of La Virgen de Guadalupe.
It’s a jacket that is proudly Mexican, Krystall said, adding that it was handmade by an artist from Mexico City.
“It just means a lot to me,” Krystall said, talking about the jacket. “It’s made with Mexican hands– so that’s important. It represents Mexican culture.”
The mural was made by El Paso muralist Tino Ortega, who said he was overwhelmed with emotion about the opportunity.
“I feel really great and honored and privileged,” Ortega said.
For him, the mural, which took three weeks to produce, represents more than just the Borderland; it is a glimpse into the future of culture.
“It’s about embracing not just the roots of El Paso,” Ortega said. “Is a melting pot to where the culture is headed.”
READ MORE: Downtown El Paso to host inaugural Michelada Fest with top Latino acts on May 3
You can catch Krystall performing music from her new album “Morningside Heights,” which is slated to be released June 27.
You can also follow El Paso muralist Tino Ortega on Instagram to see more of his work.
Michelada Fest will be held Saturday at the intersection of E. Main and N. Kansas Street in downtown El Paso, from 2 to 10 p.m..
Besides Krystall, artists Neton Vega, Chino Pacas, Snow Tha Product, Calle 24, Jasiel Nuñez, Tito Torbellino Jr. and Saul Villarreal are set to perform.
Despite being centered on a drink that is typically made with beer, the event is open to all ages, with children 12 or under entering for free.
For more information, visit www.michefestelpaso.com.
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