By Aidilys “Didi” Matías
It was approximately several [a lot] of days between brushes, ladders, buckets, paint cans and pieces of tape that led us to the great final event known as the Inauguration of the Macromural at Cerro Cabrera in Aguadilla: Amanecer Borincano by a great diversity of artists and organizations, where we were included. All this happened during the last months of the year where hands from all over the island joined together to form what today is known as one of the most exquisite places in the town of Aguadilla. As the days went by, we ran out of paints, adhesive tapes, brushes, but above all, we ran out of energy. They were some of the longest, hottest, and most intense days we experienced in the entire journey of our organization, however, there was always something to talk about so that we did not lose the desire, interest, or motivation to be there. In fact, there was never a box of fried chicken that did not lighten the mood and keep us energized, even if it was late at night. It was a long journey full of memories, paint marks and people who would walk around and give us words of encouragement. Some of the murals done there cover marine and coastal themes, for this and many other reasons, this mural is dedicated to all those fishermen in the area. We had the objective of impacting two buildings, however, shortly after we started, they approached us and let us know that we had to paint a third building so that the piece would have a congruence and be even more exquisite than it already would be. At the entrance to the community, you will see a gigantic mural depicting fishermen casting their colorful nets over the houses on the walls of three huge buildings and this is what makes it an open-air art museum. Amanecer Borincano came to an end approximately four years ago on that afternoon of the hot and full of emotion, Saturday, December 29, 2018. Among laughter, worries, and ‘pachangueo’ we were able to put the final touches to this mural that undoubtedly impacted the lives of many people since the first day we took the luggage [brushes, rolls, ribbons, rulers, etc.] out of the cars. That day we enthusiastically set up our tent and along with it, all our merchandise. As many of you already know, we are a non-profit organization, which means that to stay afloat we needed your help to create more murals near you. We were expecting over 1,000 people that day, so it was our time to shine and make the most of all our work. Fireworks adorned that cold and at the same time so hot December night, sparkles all over the sky reflected the colors that were captured on those walls. We inaugurated this monumental and amazing piece by cutting a red ribbon, in a moment in which every one of the people presents were participants. Hugs, tears, and smiles flooded the Macromural that we finished that night with so much sweat and sacrifice. So, we closed drawers, put on our bags, adjusted our pants, and got on our carts, ready for a new adventure full of brushes, paintbrushes, and paints.
Aidilys “Didi” Matias Former Member of Ciudad Museo (2018 – 2021). Collaborated with the Public Relations and Quartermasters teams on the organization. Undergraduate in Bachelor of Kinesiology and Exercise from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus. Minor degree in Adapted Physical Education.