SANTA ANA, Calif. – Sister cities Santa Ana, California, and Sahuayo, Michoacán, unveiled a new mural at Plaza Calle Cuatro on Saturday, Nov. 15, that celebrates their partnership, shared stories and unique cultural traditions.
The artwork features two young sisters lying face to face in playful connection, each representing her respective city, surrounded by objects and toys that reflect the unique traditions and similarities of their homes. The walls behind them display drawings of their heritage.
Brought to life through the joint vision of Santa Ana artists Brian Peterson and Damin Lujan in collaboration with Sahuayo artists Alejandro Navarrete Gonzalez and Miguel Angel Sanchez Amezcua, the vibrant mural, entitled “Sister Cities,” overlooks one of Santa Ana’s most important cultural hubs in the heart of downtown.
“This mural is more than a work of art — it’s a vibrant symbol of friendship, cultural exchange and our shared commitment to building a brighter future together,” Santa Ana Mayor Valerie Amezcua said. “Our sister city relationship has brought our communities closer in meaningful ways, and this new artwork celebrates the stories, traditions, and values we proudly hold in common. I’m grateful to the City of Sahuayo and the artists who helped bring this vision to life.”
“Today we are not just inaugurating a mural. Today we are inaugurating a bridge made of memory, colors, roots and hope,” said the mayor of Sahuayo, Manuel Gálvez Sánchez. “This mural was born from the heart of two towns that, although separated by miles, are united by something stronger than distance: family, culture and shared dreams.”
Saturday’s unveiling ceremony began at the Frida Cinema, where both mayors, Santa Ana City Councilmembers, the Mexican Consul in Santa Ana and the artists spoke of the significance of the mural to a crowd of residents and the local art community who joined the event despite the rain. The gathering then moved to nearby Plaza Calle Cuatro for the official unveiling.
Since forming their sister city agreement in 2022, Santa Ana and Sahuayo have built a relationship rooted in shared values and culture, the free exchange of ideas, and strengthening economic and community connections. The partnership has resulted in a Sister City Business Expo that connected Santa Ana-area companies with Mexican artisans and businesses; a donation of surplus water equipment from Santa Ana to Sahuayo; and cross-border visits and participation in cultural events by officials from both cities.