Owner covers mural honoring Celia Cruz in Little Havana
The work stood at Calle Ocho and 19th Avenue. Santos Campaneria covered it after a dispute over inspections; Pedro Aguiar is willing to repaint it, and Rolando Escalona plans to speak with the owner.
The mural honoring Celia Cruz, Héctor Lavoe, Tito Puente and other salsa figures was covered at the direction of the Little Havana building’s owner.
The artwork was located at the intersection of Calle Ocho and 19th Avenue. It had been unveiled in March 2023 as a tribute to musicians who helped make salsa a cultural symbol.
Santos Campaneria defended his decision by citing requirements he said he faced to maintain the building and business. He said he spent about $50,000 on demands related to the property inspection.
Pedro Aguiar, who painted the mural, said he is willing to recreate it. City Commissioner Rolando Escalona plans to meet with Campaneria in an effort to secure permission to restore it at the original site.