Pepe Martinez
Creator of Our Current Art Installation
The Battleground commissioned our current art from Mexican muralist and painter Pepe Martinez. Pepe resides in Papantla Mexico, hometown to owner Rosi Peruyero-Noden. This series of four original paintings depicts Danza del los Voladores (Dance of the Flyers).
Collaboration with Artists
Pepe Martinez’s paintings at The Battleground are just the beginning. We are seeking to collaborate with artists for future installations, a social justice art festival, additional can designs, musical performances, and other ways that highlight the role that art plays in raising social, racial, and economic justice issues.
If you are interested in the intersection of art and justice – drop us a note at info@battlegroundbar.com
Danza del los Voladores (Dance of the Flyers)
The Dance of the Flyers is an ancient ritual that originated with the Nahua, Huastec, and Otomi peoples in central Mexico, spreading throughout most of Mesoamerica. There are many versions of the ritual and its meaning varies, ranging from asking the gods to end drought, bringing fertility, and healing the community from the challenges it faces.
The ritual begins at the bottom of the pole with five men (Los Voladores). One man, the Caporal, plays a flute and drum while all the men dance. This dance continues as the men climb up a pole roughly 90 feet high to a spinning platform on top. The Caporal takes his place at the top of the pole and the four other men each take their place on one of the four corners of the spinning platform at top.
Once all five dancers are situated, the Caporal will give a signal (often the ending of a piece of music dedicated to the sun) and the four men, with ropes tied to their feet and connected to the platform, will lean back and jump off descending go the ground slowly as they circle down. During the descent, the Caporal continues to play his flute and drum to complete the ritual.
Art and Social Justice – Si Se Puede
Danza del los Voladores is a ritual about bringing a community together among the challenges we face. It also represents the important Mexican culture that immigrants bring to America. That is why the art on our walls is also featured on the cans of our Si Se Puede Lager.
Si Se Puede is one of the first beers of our social justice beer project, Drink Your Values.
Proceeds from Si Se Puede support organizations working to pass comprehensive immigration reform, allowing families to stay together, young people to realize their dreams, and people to escape poverty through hard work and a path to citizenship.
LET'S GET SOCIAL
