Santiago, Dominican Republic, just made its streets sing. The city recently unveiled a vibrant mural honoring merengue, celebrating the rhythm, energy, and cultural legacy that has defined generations of Dominicans and the wider Caribbean. This isn’t just graffiti or decoration — it’s a public tribute to a genre that moves hearts, homes, and communities.
The mural features images of legendary merengue artists including Juan Luis Guerra, Wilfrido Vargas, Cuco Valoy, Fernando Villalona, Ramón Orlando, Eddy Herrera, Sergio Vargas, Dioni Fernández, Joseíto Mateo, Rubby Pérez, and Héctor Acosta (El Torito). Each face represents decades of music, performance, and influence — a visual testament to merengue’s status as a cornerstone of Dominican identity.
Mayor Abel Martínez led the inauguration, highlighting how the project transforms previously blank or deteriorated walls into living cultural spaces. “This mural is a tribute to the joy, talent, and soul of our people,” said Martínez. “Merengue isn’t just music — it’s part of who we are.”
Some of the artists featured have received special recognition: Eddy Herrera was named Hijo Predilecto of Santiago, while others, including Rubby Pérez and Fernando Villalona, were declared Hijos Adoptivos de Santiago. These titles reinforce not only their individual contributions but also the collective power of merengue to shape cultural memory.
The mural was created under the supervision of cultural coordinator Anilcia de Luna and the city’s Culture Department. Its bold colors and dynamic imagery echo the rhythm and movement of merengue itself, turning the city into an open-air dance floor of history, artistry, and community pride.
For locals and visitors alike, this public artwork is more than a mural. It’s a reminder that merengue lives in the streets, in homes, in hearts, and continues to inspire both the old and new generations of artists, dancers, and music lovers.
