“Charanguista Andino”: The Best Mural in the World 2024

A mural in the Galician town of Fene, ‘Charanguista Andino‘, has been voted the Best in the World for 2024. Painted by Chilean artist Cristobal Persona it was created as part of the Perla Mural Festival. It is the second time that a mural from Fene has won the Worldwide competition.

Created onto the side of a four-story building, it depicts a musician playing the charango. A traditional Andean instrument. It is set against a backdrop that echoes the landscapes of the Andes. Rooted in Latin American culture, the piece reflects the artist’s passion for storytelling. Something he expresses through realism and his commitment to the myths, legends, and traditions of the communities he paints in.

A Global Recognition for Galician Street Art

‘Charanguista Andino’ was the only Galician entry to make the list. Something that immediately became a sense of pride for the small Spanish town of Fene.

“It belongs to everyone, from Fene and from Galicia. That’s why we encouraged people to vote for it. Because we can become a world reference for urban art” – Ramón Pereira, Perla Mural Fest.

The festival, despite being in its early years, has already made major waves on the street art scene. Its first edition saw street artist Sfhir win the prestigious Street Art Cities award for 2023.

“After winning last year, we saw a huge increase in visibility. I think this festival is an important cultural initiative that also helps to beautify our spaces,” – Borja Sanmartín, one of the festival’s organizers.

Perla Mural Festival

Cristóbal Persona

Cristóbal Persona, whose real name is Cristóbal Espinosa, is a 34-year-old muralist from Santiago de Chile. His pseudonym is inspired by the renowned Portuguese writer Fernando Pessoa. He started painting in 2018 as a volunteer for a social foundation in vulnerable neighbourhoods of Santiago. He has since participated in numerous projects and festivals across Latin America and, most recently, Europe.

Realism and Tradition

His art is rooted in realism. Drawing inspiration from Latin American literature, poetry, and oral traditions. Each mural is carefully researched, ensuring that it reflects the cultural heritage and identity of the community it inhabits.

“When I travel to new places, I explore their myths, legends, and local stories to create murals that people can connect with and recognize as their own.” – Cristobal Persona

Tradition of Music

On his Instagram, Persona spoke about the deeper meaning behind “Charanguista Andino”. Highlighting the significance of music in indigenous traditions. Referencing the link between music and water. Tradition has it that Charanguistas would bless their instruments in springs and rivers. The music acting as an intermediary between the world of the surface and world of the depths.

The Siren and the Charango

One particular tradition tells of a gifted charango player who enchants a mermaid or ‘Sirena’ with his music. Drawn to his melodies, she emerges, sometimes luring him into the water, where he vanishes. The villagers waking the next morning to find his charango resting on the shore. Its strings humming softly in the wind. In other versions, he resists, honouring the Sirena with his music. It’s a tale that symbolises the connection between Andean people with music and nature. The charango acting as a bridge between the human and spiritual worlds.

Historical Background

The historical background of the Charango is deeply embedded in Andean culture. Built between 1723 and 1744 the Church of San Lorenzo features carvings of the instrument played by two mermaids. Situated in the Bolivian city of Potosi, it is symbolic of the instruments long standing links to myth and tradition.

With “Charanguista Andino,” Persona has brought a piece of Andean culture to Galicia. Cementing Fene’s place even more firmly on the global street art map. It is a mural that acts as a bridge between cultures. A celebration of musical tradition, and a testament to the power of public art to inspire and transform communities.

‘Charanguista Andino’ is a mural by Cristóbal Persona. It was painted in Fene, a town in the Galician region of Spain as part of the Perla Mural Festival. It was the winner of a global vote to determine the Street Art Cities ‘Best Mural in the World‘ award.

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