12/26/2024
We are thrilled to announce the completion of our latest mural project located in the Pilsen community.
This mural, created by celebrates the rich heritage and resilience of Guatemala through the symbolic image of the quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala.The mural is accompanied by a powerful story from Mayan legend:Tecún Umán, the last ruler of the K’iche’ Maya, fell in battle against Spanish conquistador Don Pedro de Alvarado on February 20, 1524. After Tecún Umán’s heart was pierced, his nawal (animal spirit guide), a quetzal, landed on his chest in mourning. The bird’s feathers were stained red with his blood, and the legend says the quetzal has not sung its beautiful song since. It is said that the quetzal will sing again only when its people and land are truly free.
This mural is not just an artistic celebration but also a tribute to the values that Anticonquista Café stands for. As Chicago’s first family farm-owned coffee roaster, Anticonquista Café represents a legacy rooted in the Maya Ch’orti’ region of Guatemala and Honduras.
They are reclaiming power in an industry dominated by corporate forces—ensuring the land, labor, and history remain with the people who grow, harvest, roast, and brew coffee.With the support of and the City of Chicago’s Small Business Storefront Activation Program, Anticonquista Café will open its doors in early 2025 at 952 W. 18th Street.
We are honored to have been part of this project and can’t wait to see the café thrive as a space for community, culture, and resilience. Stop by to see the mural, learn about the story behind the quetzal, and support this incredible new café when it opens!
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