Madonnari, or street painters, transformed the square using pastels on pavement to create vibrant and colorful, large scale images.
Madonnari art, sometimes referred to as “I Madonnari” began in Italy, hence the use of the letter “I” in the name when done outside of Italy. Originally the artwork was done drawing the image of the Madonna on sidewalks but grew into an international art culture of sidewalk murals and 3D images.
The event in Puerto Vallarta was organized in partnership with the Vallarta Institute of Culture, The Tourism Board, and the Sister City Committee of Puerto Vallarta – Santa Barbara, CA.
Santa Barbara hosts an annual Madonnari festival which began in 1987 and was one of the first North American cities to participate.
The artwork in Puerto Vallarta was presented in three categories; Children 5-12 years old, Youth 13-18 years old, and Adults over 18. Artists were free to choose their art subject.
we were told 47 adult artists and about that many children artists. It was a good show.