Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – The iconic Puerto Vallarta sign has been beautifully restored and redecorated by Marcela Lepe Quiroz, daughter of the renowned painter Manuel Lepe Macedo. Her father’s charming, naive style has inspired the new designs. These vibrant letters are set to return to their spot on the Malecón, beside the famous El Caballito sculpture, where they attract countless tourists and locals for must-see photos.
Marcela, along with her nephew, painter Luis Lepe, worked diligently to bring back the true colors and distinctive strokes of Manuel Lepe’s art. The original sign, created five years ago, had deviated from Lepe’s authentic style due to alterations by the City Council at that time. Marcela expressed her joy and pride in restoring the letters, highlighting the positive feedback from Puerto Vallarta’s residents.
“It took almost a month and a half to recycle and change many aspects of the letter structures. We spent about 20 days painting them,” Marcela said. “The effort and materials were worth it. I feel very happy and proud to restore my father’s original work. The people of Vallarta will now see and appreciate the genuine touch of Manuel Lepe.”
Born on April 17, 1936, Manuel Lepe became a celebrated artist known for his vibrant, honest use of color, despite having only a fourth-grade education. His artworks, featuring little angels, children, and Puerto Vallarta landscapes, are cherished by presidents, royalty, and celebrities. John Huston once praised Lepe’s paintings for bringing joy to the child in all of us. Lepe’s work has been exhibited internationally and featured by the UN and UNICEF.
For three weeks, Marcela meticulously captured her father’s artistic essence in the Vallarta letters. In the courtyard of her home on Jacarandas Street, she worked under awnings, carefully applying bright, lively colors that are unmistakably Manuel Lepe.
About the reinstallation on the Malecón, Marcela shared, “I’ve been in talks with Brenda Díaz, director of the Vallarta Institute of Culture, and they plan to reinstall the letters as soon as possible. I also want to thank hotelier Gabriel Igartua for his support. Thanks to him, the letters will have a special anti-graffiti coating, which takes about a week to apply and dry. They should be ready in about a week.”
The newly restored letters promise to bring even more life and color to Puerto Vallarta, celebrating the legacy of Manuel Lepe and delighting all who visit the Malecón.
