Reviving Zacamil: Art Transforms War-Torn Neighborhood in El Salvador

In the Zacamil neighborhood of San Salvador, artists are beautifying walls with murals in a formerly violent area. This initiative, led by a Salvadoran foundation, aims to improve the community's image amid ongoing infrastructure challenges. The project follows a nationwide anti-gang campaign by President Nayib Bukele.

From the window of her tin-sided shop outside El Salvador's capital San Salvador, Esmeralda Quintanilla observes artists revamping her neighborhood, Zacamil, with colorful murals on walls scarred by civil war and gang violence.

Armed with brushes, paint, and spray cans, artists have adorned several of the 40 five-story units in Zacamil's housing complex with vibrant artwork. Esmeralda, a 55-year-old seamstress, said the murals have significantly improved the area's appearance.

The initiative by a Salvadoran foundation aims to cover nearly every wall in the complex over the next two years, benefiting 4,000 residents. Despite the murals, infrastructure issues like garbage and clogged storm drains persist. This move follows President Nayib Bukele's crackdown on gangs resulting in the imprisonment of roughly 82,000 alleged gang members.

(With inputs from agencies.)