40 years of Nicaragua paintings: festival and exhibition in Lichtenberg!

40 years of Nicaragua paintings: festival and exhibition in Lichtenberg!

On August 13, 2025, the mural “Nicaraguan Village – Monimbó 1978” in Berlin-Friedrichsfelde will celebrate its 40th birthday. The important work of art, created by Nicaraguan artist Manuel García Moia in 1985, has an area of ​​255 square meters and illustrates the life and struggles of the Nicaraguan people. District mayor Martin Schaefer (CDU) will accompany the celebration on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 11 a.m. on Monimbó Square. Numerous guests of honor are expected, including members of the Citizens' Art Initiative, sponsors and supporters from various industries, as well as the artist's daughter, Maria Elena García.

The mural was created as part of the East German government's solidarity with the Nicaraguan people who were fighting against the repressive Somoza regime. In the years following reunification, the work of art underwent many changes, including private ownership and necessary renovations. Particularly noteworthy is a citizens' initiative that successfully fought for the renewal of the mural after large parts fell off in 2011. The last comprehensive renovation was completed in the summer of 2019 and now makes the work of art visible again after it was previously threatened.

Festivities and exhibitions

As part of the festivities, an information stele about the mural will be renovated before the event and updated with new photos and text, including in Braille. The legend plaque above the Monimbó Square nameplate will also be added. After the celebration, an exhibition will open in the neighborhood house in the Ostseeviertel, which will take place on Monday, September 1, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This exhibition features over 40 works by Manuel García Moia and documents the rescue of the mural from 2004 to the present.

The celebrations will culminate with the “Long Night of Images” on Friday, September 5, 2025. This event will include the lighting of the mural and also offer a guided tour of the work of art’s history. This not only celebrates art in public spaces, but also the important role it plays in shaping urban life.

Art in public spaces

Art in public spaces, such as the mural by Manuel García Moia, has shaped the image of urban spaces for many years. Such works of art are often the result of political and social movements and contribute to the city's identity. In Germany, for example, art in public spaces is becoming increasingly important for cultural memory and promoting the image of municipalities. It should not be viewed only as an aesthetic element, but as an active medium that stimulates public discussions and influences the perception of urban life.

The variety of artworks ranges from historical statues to contemporary experiments, reflecting the dynamic development and creative engagement with social issues. In order to sensitize and involve the population in such projects, art competitions are often organized in which citizens and artists have the opportunity to contribute their visions for public space.

The celebrations for the 40th birthday of the mural “Nicaraguan Village – Monimbó 1978” not only represent the appreciation of an outstanding work of art, but also the continued recognition of the role of art and culture in Berlin’s public life.

For further information and to register for the vernissage, please call (030) 55 98 733.