Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — More than 100 urban artists gathered in the Ejido neighborhood on May 2 to transform walls and reclaim public spaces through art, marking World Graffiti Day.
The event, organized by the collective Grafiti Gallery, took place at Calle 24 and Diagonal 85. Abel Ruiz, known as “Wamper,” director of the collective, led the creative day, which aims to provide safe spaces for graffiti practice while improving the city’s urban image.
Ruiz said he and his team, along with sponsors, secured available walls for legal intervention, avoiding conflicts with residents and authorities. “The idea is to change the perception of graffiti, to show that it can also be an artistic expression that contributes to the environment,” he said.
The event was supported by Bunker, an urban merchandise store in Cancun, which sponsored spray paint cans, giving participants free access to essential materials.
Ruiz shared that the initiative stems from his own experience as a teenager practicing graffiti clandestinely, facing constant risk of arrest. “Now we want new generations to have spaces where they can express themselves without affecting others — on the contrary, adding artistic value to the city,” he said.
He called on graffiti practitioners to act responsibly: “Instead of painting facades without permission and causing annoyance, seek agreements with property owners. There are ways to do it right and with respect.”
Through such activities, Grafiti Gallery aims to foster local talent and break stigmas surrounding graffiti, positioning it as a legitimate cultural expression in Playa del Carmen’s urban landscape.
