About this Event
On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC has commissioned the design of a mural to Spanish comics artist and illustrator Paco Roca. Situated in the historic neighborhood of Georgetown, the mural highlights Spain’s contribution to the American Revolutionary War and to the origins of the United States.
This work offers a concise and inclusive perspective on the birth of the United States, linking the drafting of the Declaration of Independence with the broader international context of the Revolutionary War. At its center, Bernardo de Gálvez represents Spain’s contribution, while the final part of the composition connects this shared history with the diversity of contemporary Washington, DC. It reflects a shared history rooted in cooperation, diversity, and common democratic values.
Conceived as a gift from Spain to Washington, DC, and the United States, the mural is intended to remain on public display beyond 2026.
Paco Roca
Paco Roca (Valencia, 1969) is a Spanish cartoonist and illustrator whose work has been translated into more than a dozen languages. After beginning his career publishing with La Cúpula, most of his later work has been developed with Astiberri.
He is the author of acclaimed graphic novels including Wrinkles (Arrugas, 2007), which received Spain’s National Comic Award and was later adapted into an award-winning animated film, as well as The Lighthouse (El Faro), The Winter of the Cartoonist, The Paths of Chance, The House, Return to Eden, and The Abyss of Oblivion. Several of his works have been adapted for film and television.
Alongside his comics career, Roca has worked as an illustrator, lecturer, radio collaborator, and mural artist. His work has been exhibited internationally, and he has received numerous distinctions, including the Gold Medal of Merit in Fine Arts (Spain) and the Inkpot Award at San Diego Comic-Con. Since 2024, he has been a member of the Board of Trustees of Spain’s National Library.
Presentation of Spain at the Birth of the United States, a public mural by Paco Roca
- On Thursday, June 25, at 5:00 pm.
- Grace Episcopal Church, Street wall, 1041 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20007.
- With remarks by Mayor Muriel Bowser and Ambassador of Spain to the United States Ángeles Moreno Bau.
- Free, RSVP required.
Partners
Presented by the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC in partnership with the Executive Office of the Mayor, MuralsDC, Georgetown Heritage, and Grace Episcopal Church. Designed by Paco Roca and executed by Mural Spot Studio. This project has been generously supported by Repsol.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Spanish Cultural Center - Embassy of Spain, 2801 16th Street Northwest, Washington, United States
USD 0.00
