“La Vida Es Un Carnaval” is arguably the song that best captures the essence of Celia Cruz’s prominence in Cuban music and culture. The song’s upbeat rhythm and positive message celebrate life despite its challenges, embodying the spirit of resilience and joy that Cruz brought to her music and her role as a cultural icon.
A new mural on the walls of the iconic Cuban restaurant, Don Ramon Restaurante Cubano on Dixie Hwy, conveys—just like her song—a message of optimism, encouraging people to face life’s difficulties with a positive outlook, much like how one would enjoy a carnival.
Unveiled in early September, the mural fills a large space on the restaurant’s front wall, facing the busy Dixie Highway. It is vibrant with bright red and blue hues, representing the colors of the Cuban flag. The artwork also features typical Cuban cultural and musical elements, such as a guitar, a pair of bongos, and the Cuban national flag.
“We commissioned the mural because Cuban culture has been an integral part of West Palm Beach since the late 1950s,” says Dina Runio, owner of Don Ramon Restaurante Cubano. “As a Cuban restaurant, we want to honor and represent our heritage. With her extraordinary impact on music and culture, Celia Cruz was the perfect figure to embody this. As the ‘Queen of Salsa,’ her influence extended far beyond her era and country, making her a global icon. The mural celebrates her legacy and the cultural richness she brought to the world.”
Celia Cruz was known for her extravagant and flamboyant stage outfits, which became a signature part of her performances. She often wore brightly colored dresses with elaborate patterns, sequins, and ruffles, reflecting her vibrant personality and the lively spirit of salsa music. Bold accessories, including oversized wigs, large earrings, and chunky necklaces, complemented her outfits.
The artists have created a striking depiction of Celia Cruz, capturing one of her style’s most distinctive and memorable aspects: her fondness for towering, colorful wigs, which became a trademark of her look. In addition to this unique feature, the mural incorporates various icons representative of Cuban culture, which either match or contrast with her outfits, adding to her larger-than-life stage presence.
Andres Corzo, a Cuban artist living in West Palm Beach, collaborated with Red Ink, a New York artist with over 20 years of experience in graffiti, to create the Celia Cruz mural. Corzo is a versatile artist who creates fine art, paints on canvas, sculpts, and paints murals. While in Cuba, he worked as a fine art professor and professional tattoo artist, receiving numerous awards from various tattoo conventions across the United States.
“I have participated in various exhibitions, creating artworks that delve into themes of identity, emotions, and nature, contributing to the West Palm Beach community,” said Corzo. “After completing my most recent project at Don Ramon Restaurant, I plan to continue creating art that challenges and inspires me, as well as art that I believe will be valuable for the community.”
At the inauguration ceremony in September, Dina spoke to a local crowd that gathered for the festivities. She expressed Don Ramon Restaurante Cubano’s intention to continue enhancing its role as a cultural hub by showcasing the full spectrum of Cuban culture, not only with fantastic cuisine but also music, art, and history, and now, with this expansive mural dedicated to Celia Cruz.
(Video of the unveiling of the mural on September 5)
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South Florida, especially Miami, is renowned for its vibrant street art scene. One of the most famous spots is the Wynwood Walls. However, many other murals are scattered throughout different parts of South Florida, and West Palm Beach has emerged since ‘Canvas Outdoor Museum’ in 2015 as a notable destination for public art. This mural of Celia Cruz extends the ultimate Cuban experience that customers can enjoy at the restaurant while demonstrating how the city constantly evolves through the arts, making it a dynamic and exciting place to explore.
The mural will serve as a landmark for selfies and provide a refreshing view for commuters passing through the southern part of the city. It will also help others appreciate the iconic artist’s life and legacy, her music’s influence on Latin music and culture, and the artistic vibrancy of West Palm Beach.
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