A Work of Art with Heart
Created to celebrate the region's cuisine, this stunning mural is the centerpiece of Don José. It's more than decor—it's the start of an unforgettable experience.
What It Means
This mural captures what food means to Mexicans. It’s not just about eating—it’s about celebration, family, and love. It’s a tribute to Mexican gastronomy, its deep roots, and the joy of sharing a meal.
When we eat in Mexico, we feed our souls, not just our bodies.
The Mural's Story
Artist Eduardo Robledo weaves the region’s cultural and natural richness into every detail, each element telling a piece of Mexico’s story.
The woman and the metate
At the center, a native woman grinds on a metate, symbolizing fertility and the vital role of corn in our culture.
The tlacuache and cacomixtle
These endangered native species represent protecting our land and staying connected to nature.
The rabbit
A symbol of abundance, the rabbit guards tradition and brings good fortune to Don José.
The magueyes
Magueyes at the center honor the region’s pulque haciendas, tying us to the Teotihuacán Valley’s history.
Emblematic birds
The heron and duck, carrying herbs like chamomile and lavender, celebrate migration, cultural exchange, and local herbal traditions.
The fish
Symbolizing freedom, the fish is paired with the armadillo, a recurring figure in Robledo’s work.
The bee
Bees, vital for pollination, represent teamwork, prosperity, and order.
The rooster
A symbol of new beginnings, the rooster welcomes a fresh day and honors Mexico’s story.
Young woman with a heart
This figure shows how culture and art can inspire and uplift lives.
The tecuán
A jaguar mask used in festival dances across Guerrero, Puebla, Oaxaca, and Morelos, linked to corn.
The calacas
Death, shown as calacas, is a nod to José Guadalupe Posada’s saying, “We are all skeletons.” It reminds us life continues beyond death.
The patroness and her black dove
A tribute to traditional Mexican music.
The hacendado
On horseback, the hacendado oversees the land, representing leadership and hacienda culinary traditions.
Bringing It to Life
Robledo often centers corn, linking it to a heart to show its role in Mexico’s economy, culture, and identity. Explaining the mural limits its magic—Robledo wants you to see it through your own eyes, creating your own story based on your experiences.
At Don José, we share our chats with Robledo and our love for the mural, but its true beauty lies in what you feel when you see it. The story it tells lives in your heart.
