¡VIVA! Mural will be on display at the Pearl until the end of April
Larger-than-life Mexican doll Lelé was unveiled at Pearl Park on Thursday night while traveling alongside the Pueblos Mágicos International Trade Show.
Lelé — which means “baby” in the indigenous Otomí language — is a 15-foot-tall inflatable version of an iconic Muñeca from Amealco, Querétaro state, and she made her Texas debut to help the trade show she’s touring with raise global awareness on Mexico’s diverse cultural heritage.
“Lelé shines a light on the work of Mexico’s artisans, to promote an understanding of Mexico’s traditions,” Rubén Minutti-Zanatta, consul general of Mexico in San Antonio, said in a June 24 news release. The doll’s unveiling at Pearl Park was followed by live entertainment, including a performance from acclaimed San Antonio musician Azul Barrientos.
“Pearl Park was absolutely full last night and Azul gave a beautiful performance,” said Lisa Martin, the event’s public relations coordinator. “There were lines of people waiting their turn to take photos with her.”
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The handmade doll wears the traditional clothing and hairstyle from Querétaro’s indigenous Otomí culture, which includes long braids with colorful head wear, as well as flowing skirts and ruffled blouses with hand-embroidered details. Lelé “represents the efforts of thousands of Mexico’s women artisans,” according to the news release.
According to Minutti-Zanatta, Querétaro city is set to become one of San Antonio’s “sister cities” later this year, which will help “to develop economic, cultural and technical exchanges between U.S. cities, counties and states with corresponding communities worldwide,” per the City of San Antonio.
Lelé will remain on display all weekend, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
