Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco – Puerto Vallarta is adorned in celebration as it commemorates the legacy of Manuel Lepe Macedo, the esteemed painter whose vibrant depictions of the city’s landscapes have become synonymous with its cultural identity. This tribute coincides with the 106th anniversary of Puerto Vallarta’s establishment as a municipality and the 56th anniversary of its elevation to city status, marking an ideal occasion to showcase the works of his daughter, Marcela Lepe Quiroz.
The celebration was attended by interim municipal president Francisco José Martínez Gil, represented by Christian Preciado Cázares, Director of Tourism and Economic Development. Addressing the audience, which included the family members of the iconic painter, Preciado Cázares emphasized Manuel Lepe’s significant contribution to Puerto Vallarta’s cultural and artistic heritage. He noted that Lepe’s artwork has been presented to consuls, ambassadors, presidents, and various distinguished visitors, thereby serving as an ambassador of the city’s vibrant spirit.
Highlighting the ongoing restoration efforts, Preciado Cázares mentioned the refurbishment of the iconic maxi letters on the boardwalk, which feature motifs inspired by Lepe’s art. These letters, a popular photo spot for visitors, are being restored by Marcela Lepe and her nephew Luis. The project aims to enhance this landmark, ensuring that both the front and the back of the letters, visible from the sea, reflect the artistry and legacy of Manuel Lepe.
Marcela Lepe expressed her gratitude for the inclusion of her family in the restoration project, acknowledging that the initial creation of the maxi letters did not involve their input. She is now dedicated to ensuring that this tribute to her father is crafted with care and authenticity, in collaboration with the City Hall Maintenance team.
Despite the festivities, ‘Manuel Lepe Day’ remains on April 17, as designated by the municipal government in 1998. Brenda Janeth Díaz Flores, Director of the Vallartense Institute of Culture, praised Manuel Lepe, baptized by President Luis Echeverría as the ‘Painter of Mexico,’ for his enduring artistic legacy. She underscored the institute’s commitment to preserving his work through exhibitions and maintaining the maxi letters inspired by his paintings. An informational plaque about the painter will also be placed next to the letters to educate tourists about his contributions.
The event included the unveiling of this plaque and the inauguration of Marcela Lepe’s pictorial exhibition, attended by councilors Tania Selenne Maya Toscano and Pablo Ruperto Gómez Andrade. This celebration not only honors the memory of Manuel Lepe Macedo but also reaffirms Puerto Vallarta’s dedication to preserving its rich cultural heritage for future generations.
