An amazing public art project has completely changed social relationships in an economically-challenged hillside neighborhood on the outskirts of Pachuca.
Reports suggest that the community of Las Palmitas used to be a harsh and depressing place to live. Crime was rampant and residents mostly kept to themselves.
Many neighbors were skeptical when former gang member Enrique Gomez came up with the idea of creating a giant rainbow-style mural using the facades of some 200 homes that looked down from the hillside.
As the project advanced, little by little residents came on board. People started to venture out of their houses to strike up conversations with neighbors. Parents allowed their kids to play in the streets. The mood of the community began to change from fear to joy.
The final, colorful work is stunning – and a visual metaphor for how neighborhoods can transform their characters if people are willing to give it a go.