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Barrio Logan mural detail
Aztlan, the mythical region where the Aztecs first emerged and then migrated south to resettle. Aztlan, the lands annexed by the United States after the Mexican-American War of 1946. Aztlan, a rallying reminder of the La Raza movement seeking better conditions in the lands now deemed America. All this and more is memorialized in passionate brushstrokes on the concrete pilings holding San Diego’s Coronado Bridge. Across Barrio Logan powerful murals stand proud, too often part of hidden San Diego.
One representation of Aztlan which crossed the current American Southwest.
Once the neighborhood contained the “second largest Chicano Barrio community on the west coast, with a population of almost twenty thousand.*” It stretched all the way to the bay with a community pier constructed as a WPN project in the 1930’s.
Restaurant Depot warehouse mural detail.
When the U.S. Navy and defense industries moved in along the shores of San Diego Bay, Barrio Logan lost access to the waterfront, as well as housing and local businesses. Jobs came from shipping and supporting industries, and many remain today, but an tender truce remains as business and community interests still chafing from close proximity.
Main Street at Caesar Chavez Bouldvard
Several of the murals in Chicano Park and under the Coronado Bridge.
The park was founded in the 1970’s and while some of the murals are being revitalized, new work is still added occasionally. Walk through the area and its easy to see the different graphic styles that have been applied over the decades. More recent additions include children’s murals, a recent homage to Frida Kahlo and other historical icons.
Nino’s del Mundo mural
Struggle immortalized in Barrio Logan
Detail from Aztlan mural*History of Chicano Park.
The local shopping center and housing developments also host bright artwork reflecting the community roots.
Dancing mural Barrio Logan
If you get hungry walking the area, the neighborhood has several outstanding, casual dining spots and the huge Gonzalez Market has one of the largest selections of Mexican spices, chiles, cheeses and prepared foods this side of the border.
Coronado Bridge pilings
The Coronado Bridge still casts a long shadow across the area. Chicano Park remains brightly defiant. Park benches may be peppered with street people but kids play hide and seek between the pilings. Family meetings and celebrations crowd in on weekends. Here’s an authentic reflection of the city’s Hispanic heritage, the highs and lows in vibrant contrast, not quite hidden San Diego.
If you go:
Getting there:
- Access Barrio Logan by the I-5 freeway at the Caesar Chavez Parkway exit.
- Take the Trolley. The Blue Line has a dedicated Barrio Logan stop just south of downtown.
Restaurants:
Salud the newer restaurant wins top ratings weekly.
Las Cuatro Milpas – has been around for decades. Expect lines and a short menu.
Ryan Brothers coffee roasters has been in the area for years and hosted the planning committee for the Barrio Logan signage.
Chicano Park: National Avenue and South Evans Streets under the freeway overpass.
More information about the history of the park and the murals inspirations:
Aztlan
Absolutely lovely photos. It’s amazing to see murals like this – they have such an emotional impact on me. You can tell the passion of the people behind it.
Thank you, Jordan. You got it, the passion, heartbreak and hope. I hope you get a chance to see them for yourself. Just did a Segway tour on Catalina Island. Loved it.
fascinating images, I had never heard of this but it is truly beautiful and interesting
Thanks, Mar. The Barrio Logan area is definitely a gem.
I’m a big fan of street art! The paintings are so beautiful and vivid here! The dancing lady is my favourite shot out of all of them 🙂
Glad you like the dancers. They got me thinking though – why no smiles?
I’ve been to San Diego many times, but have never been to Bario Logan. Love the vivid artwork!
Thanks, Patti, it’s pretty impressive, quietly towering beneath the over pass.
I’ve been to San Diego, but never to Barrio Logan. I would have remembered the striking murals you shared with us. I love when cities consolidate neighborhoods around public art. My hometown, Philadelphia, has a vibrant mural arts program throughout the city, from tony center city to the poorest neighborhoods. Graffiti marring the murals is practically non-existent because the locals participate in planning and executing their murals.
Civic pride can work wonders. I hope to be in Philadelphia around Christmas. Probably not the best time check out public art but I hope to see some, sub-zero temps or not.
I’ll be crossing the Coronado Bridge in a few weeks and will be on the lookout for these colorful Aztlan murals. Thanks for teaching me about them!
I hope you get a peek. They’re magnificent, especially in morning light.
San Diego has so much to offer – did not know about all the great artwork though. Talk about talent! Barrio Logan is new to me as well.
Thanks, Linda,
The murals are stunning. I hope you get to see them one day.
I’ve never been to San Diego so this was a lovely surprise to read this morning. The murals are incredible – you’ve captured them so well on camera too.
Thanks, Jo. I just love the Barrio Logan area. San Diego is so much more than sun and sand.
The images are so striking and your photos are so vivid – gorgeous! I haven’t been to San Diego in at least 8 years but I never even knew this neighborhood, much less this aspect of history in the area, existed. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
You’re so welcome, Kay. I’m kind of on a mission to uncover hidden parts of my home town. Glad you liked the pictures too.
Wow, these murals are amazing! SO vivid and colourful, loved reading about the history as well. WIll note down these restaurants if we ever make it here! thanks for linking up with #TheWeeklyPostcard
Thank you, Samiya. I hope you’ll say hi when you make it back here.
Steve is reading a book called “Return to Aztlan at the moment. The Barrio Logan is on the list for our next SD visit- had read about the murals before we went last winter but we didn’t manage to get there. Love street art.
I’ll have to borrow that book once Steve is finished. I’m a bit obsessed with the history of our region and the culture of Mexico (outside of all the bad press.)
Elaine this is so amazing! We have been to San Diego many times and have never seen this area. I love how you gave the specific details of how to get there and where to eat, plus the history. Great post.
Thanks so much, Suzanne. I hope you get to see Barrio Logan next time you’re in town.