CHUALAR — Monterey County Supervisors Chris Lopez and Luis Alejo and the Arts Council for Monterey County will host an unveiling celebration of the Bracero Legacy Mural on Friday, April 18, in Chualar.
The Bracero Legacy Mural is the first mural of its kind on the Central Coast that honors the millions of Bracero workers who came to work in the United States between 1942 and 1964. It also recognizes the 32 Bracero workers who tragically lost their lives in a dreadful train collision in Chualar on Sept. 17, 1963, and the 22 Braceros who survived.
The mural was painted by renowned muralist Hanif Panni of Seaside and sponsored by the Arts Council for Monterey County.
“Over 4.6 million contracts were issued to courageous Mexican Braceros who came to work in the United States over the program’s 22-year history,” according to Alejo in a news release. “They often faced harsh and difficult conditions, but their sacrifice and significant contributions strengthened our agricultural industry, uplifted our nation during World War II, and laid the foundation for thousands of families throughout the Salinas Valley and beyond.”
The event is scheduled to take place from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Chualar Liquor, 24335 Grant St., in Chualar.
During the celebration, there will be a community resource fair, car show, live performances by the Chualar Union School District Baile Folklуrico and the White Hawk Aztec Dancers, free tacos and raffle, and the official unveiling/ribbon cutting of the Bracero Legacy Mural.
There will also be a special acknowledgement of several original Bracero workers and their families in attendance.
“This will be the special iconic place to take a photo whenever you are in Chualar and it pays tribute to our fathers and grandfathers who were Bracero workers,” wrote Alejo on social media April 11. “The mural is getting its last touches this … week and is a beautiful enhancement to the Chualar community!”
