Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico – On May 27, as part of Puerto Vallarta’s 106th anniversary and the 56th anniversary of its elevation to city status, the Vallartense Institute of Culture paid tribute to Manuel Lepe Macedo, the town’s most renowned painter.
The tribute took place in front of the famous seahorse sculpture and the large “Puerto Vallarta” letters on the Malecón, a favorite photo spot for tourists. Against this picturesque backdrop, Marcela Lepe Quiroz, daughter of the celebrated artist, announced that the beloved Puerto Vallarta sign, its colors dulled by time, would be restored to its former glory, its design echoing the artist’s signature naive style. This restoration, she emphasized, is a way to keep her father’s memory alive.
Marcela explained, “Through efforts by the Culture and Maintenance departments, the letters and their structures will undergo a full restoration. We intend to highlight the true colors of my father’s work, keeping all motifs intact. Everyone knows that the Lepe family was not involved in the initial alterations, but now we have been invited by the Institute of Culture to remodel the letters. My nephew Luis and I will ensure they are something the city can be proud of.”
In addition to this announcement, thirteen of Marcela Lepe’s own artworks, which continue her father’s joyful Naïve style, were displayed.
Reflecting on her exhibition, Marcela shared, “I follow my father’s style because it’s in my blood. Growing up surrounded by his art, it became a part of me. While I support incorporating this tribute to my father into Puerto Vallarta’s anniversary program, this exhibition highlights our desire to restore the original Manuel Lepe Day date to April 17 – his birthday,” she added.
The day unfolded as a testament to Manuel Lepe Macedo’s enduring influence. As the vibrant colors of his daughter’s paintings complemented the bustling Malecón scene, Puerto Vallarta celebrated not just its past, but the artistic legacy that continues to illuminate its present.