Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz spearheaded the awards ceremony for the “Ruta de la Paz” (Route of Peace) contest, culminating in the unveiling of a vibrant new public mural in Downtown Tijuana. The event forms part of a broader municipal campaign to revitalize urban spaces, foster civic pride, and create safer, more cohesive communities.
Organized in coordination with federal, state, and local agencies, the event is a key component of Proyecto Tijuana, an initiative designed to strengthen identity and local pride through art, cultural programming, and youth involvement in urban renewal.
Addressing the audience, Mayor Ismael Burgueño emphasized that the city’s revitalization extends beyond urban infrastructure as it also strengthens values, human relationships, and a sense of belonging in residents.
“To our Peace Sowers and Youth Uniting the Neighborhood, we will always stand by you,” he said. “Years from now, whenever we cross paths in these streets, we’ll greet each other with warmth, knowing we built something lasting and positive together.”
Beatriz Adriana Olivares Pinal, head of the National Center for Crime Prevention and Civic Participation under the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System, praised the administration’s support. She noted that more than 70 murals have been completed in Downtown Tijuana through municipal backing, calling Mayor Ismael Burgueño’s leadership instrumental in transforming neglected public areas.
During the ceremony, the mayor presented Olivares Pinal with a special commendation recognizing her leadership in youth engagement, reforestation efforts, and community service initiatives.
The mayor also presented awards to the top three winners of the “Ruta de la Paz” competition:
- 1st Place: Valeria Medina García (20)
- 2nd Place: Kevin Francisco Mora Domínguez (17)
- 3rd Place: Jeira Álvarez Cerecedo (25)
Following the award presentations, Mayor Ismael Burgueño officially unveiled the “Ruta de la Paz” mural. Designed and painted by artist Pablo Vega, the artwork was created in collaboration with local community organizers América Jacqueline Mendoza Lugo and Karol Nicole Ramírez Castellanos.
The project is part of the city’s Huellas de Intervención Artística (Artistic Intervention Footprints) series, which aims to beautify the urban landscape while providing welcoming spaces for dialogue and expression among residents and tourists in Downtown Tijuana.
This event was attended by Councilor Mónica Padilla Villavelázquez; Secretary of Culture Yadira Esther Gutiérrez Ávila; Director of the Municipal Institute of Art and Culture Samantha Alvarado Luna; Downtown Delegate José Luis Portillo Reyes; and Edgar Ortiz Ángel, representing the Governor of Baja California on social outreach initiatives.
The Tijuana City Hall reaffirms its commitment to partnering with civic institutions, local artists, and community members to restore public spaces, promote peaceful co-existence, and expand cultural opportunities across the city.
