Urban art in Caravaca strengthening the identity and character of the city

Both locals and visitors are surrounded by images recalling the glorious past of Caravaca

Over the last few years the Town Hall of Caravaca de la Cruz has been making a concerted effort to promote urban mural art as a way of not only beautifying certain corners of the old city but also reminding both locals and visitors of the cultural and historical heritage of the capital of north-western Murcia.

The result is a selection of impressive paintings which add to the attractions for visitors to Caravaca, making them aware of the importance of the city both in the past and in the present, and one of the latest examples to be unveiled is in the vicinity of the bus stop in Avenida de los Andenes. The image shows aspects related to the annual fiestas of the Moors, Christians and Wine Horses, which are held in early May, with some of the knights who heroically brought wine up to the besieged castle featured in a colourful design.

Another is a 45-metre-long mural in the recently created garden space of Huerto de los Vicarios, where Carlos Callizo has created a garden-themed design with the Caravaca landmark of the Torre de los Pastores in the church of La Concepción clearly visible on the skyline.

Perhaps the highlight is a work by internationally renowned artist Diego As, one of the most widely acclaimed in Spain and winner of the “Best Graffiti Art in Spain” award for his work dedicated to Julius Caesar in the Galicia city of Lugo. In Caravaca he has created an image which evokes the legend of the appearance of the True Cross in the city, and event which has led to it being declared a holy place of pilgrimage by the Catholic church and holding a 7-yearly-Jubilee that attracts visitors from all over the world.

The painting includes the iconic Caravaca cross, bought by many tourists as a keepsake but still an item of revered importance for the local population.

The following example is one which was unveiled earlier this year, in which an old photograph of the Wine Horses fiestas in the early 1940s, shortly after the Civil War in a time of great hardship throughout Spain, has been converted into a 902-square-metre painting by Martzel Do Nascimento, who has previously worked on important commissions in Madrid, Bilbao, Pamplona, Valladolid, Gipuzkoa and A Coruña. It shows one of the wine horses on its way to be blessed, accompanied by various runners dressed in the typical fiestas gear of the time and with the old Bodegas Tudela building in the background.

Finally, mention has to be made of the Cartagena-based artist Kraser, whose latest work is inspired by the visit of King Fernando “El Católico” to pay homage to the True Cross of Caravaca in 1488. This was a highly significant event for the city, cementing its prestige and importance as Spain prepared to expel the Moors, and the work of Kraser is full of symbolic imagery as well as the particular artistic traits of Kraser. It can be seen in the car park close to the Museo de la Fiesta.

For more local news, events and visiting information contact the local tourist office (telephone 968 702424) or go to the home page of Caravaca Today.