New Mural at Disney Springs Honors Cuban Culture

Feel the Cuban vibes in a new mural at the Disney Springs Art Walk: A Canvas of Expression, created by Cuban-American artists Katerina Santos and Juan Travieso, known together as TRATOS. The enchanting artwork is a love letter to their son and a celebration of Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Month at Walt Disney World.

Juan and Katerina always knew they had great chemistry when working on art together, so they combined their talents (and last names) to become TRATOS, which means “forming a bond” in Spanish.

The artwork has really resonated with cast members including one of my fellow team members who said it is amazing to see Hispanic culture, family and love represented in such a beautiful art piece. I had the pleasure to learn about TRATOS’ story and process for creating their piece titled, “El Nido” which translates to “The Nest.” It’s easy to see the passion and love they put into the mural, which is why you should check out the video below to learn more about this lively, colorful wonderland.

 

My favorite part of this piece is the bright and happy colors traditionally used in Hispanic-inspired art. “We want people to feel the happiness and joy that (our son) Luka brings into our life,” said Santos when explaining how she hopes people connect with the art.

As a father of two boys, I found it interesting that the birds and flowers surrounding Luka are symbolic of the relatives and people in his life. To me, that radiates a warm feeling of a supporting and loving family.

TRATOS’ work joins that of other Hispanic artists like Ernesto Maranje, who finds beauty in the natural world and often uses it as a source of inspiration when creating his art pieces.

His mural, “The Path to Everywhere,” touches on childhood memories and nostalgia to bring to life “the magic that Disney has inspired for generations.”

The Disney Springs Art Walk serves as a platform for talented artists from different cultures and backgrounds to come together to showcase their amazing works to everyone visiting Walt Disney World. Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog and follow @DisneySprings and #DSArtWalk on social media, as Disney Springs welcomes more talented artists to the Art Walk. We can also keep the Hispanic & Latin American Heritage Month celebration and conversation going on social media with #TogetherWeAreMagia.