Republic Square Banner Project
The Downtown Austin Alliance and the Mexic-Arte Museum have partnered to create and install seven banners showcasing the rich history and vibrant future of Republic Square and the 5th Street Mexican Heritage Corridor. This collaboration aims to enhance the cultural appeal of Downtown Austin. Republic Square has been a significant site in Austin for hundreds of years, from its origins as Hemphill Square, one of the city’s four original public squares, in 1839 to its role in the Mexican and Mexican American community.
Claudia Aparicio Gamundi created the artwork featured on the banners, and the project was funded by a heritage grant awarded by the Austin Economic Development Department.
Banners in Republic Square
Photos by the Digitial Media Associate, Maia Castillo
Banner Coloring Book
Republic Square has been an important place in Austin for hundreds of years. On August 1, 1839, 306 lots of the newly surveyed, square-mile town were sold at auction under the square’s oak trees. Four squares were not auctioned, as the blocks were designated to be public squares; three of those squares remain today. These include Republic Square (originally “Hemphill Square”), Brush Square, Wooldridge Square (previously Bell Square), and Hamilton Square, which is now the First Baptist Church. In 1950, this area was converted into a parking lot. In 1974, local conservationists persuaded the city to restore the square to its former glory, giving it its current name, Republic Square.
Early in Austin’s history, Republic Square was a central point for the city’s Mexican and Mexican American community. This space has hosted pivotal moments in Texas history, city celebrations, and day-to-day commerce. It continues to serve as a gathering place for community events, standing as an active park that connects modern day Austin with its past.
As you look through this book, you will learn about some of the pivotal moments in Republic Square’s history.
Banner Project Exhibition at City Hall
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Mexic-Arte and the Downtown Austin Alliance unveiled seven beautiful new outdoor banners celebrating Republic Square’s rich history, vibrant future, and the 5th Street Mexican Heritage Corridor on August 3rd from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Republic Square! The square has hosted key events in Texas history, city celebrations and daily commerce, continuing today as a vibrant community gathering space that bridges Austin’s past and present.
Photographs taken by the Digital Media Associate, Maia Castillo
Las Calaveras at Republic Square: Celebrating our Shared History
Las Calaveras
The Mexic-Arte Museum has partnered with the Mexico City-based Colectivo Última Hora to create four large-scale fiberglass skulls that have been painted by four Austin-based artists: Ruben Esquivel, NIZ, Carmen Rangel, and Ryan Runcie. These artists have created imagery relating to Republic Square’s history, a central point for the city’s diverse communities. This space has hosted pivotal moments in Texas history, city celebrations, and day-to-day commerce. It continues to serve as a gathering place for community events, standing as an active park that connects modern-day Austin with its past. Through Las Calaveras at Republic Square, we acknowledge and highlight the Mexican, Mexican American, and Black communities, as well as the Tonkawa tribe.
Ruben Esquivel: Echoes of Guadalupe Park
This calavera, embodies the spirit of celebration and community central to the history of Republic Square Park, once known as Guadalupe Park. On one side, a mariachi guitar player serenades with lively tunes, evoking the vibrant musical heritage of Mexican gatherings. On the other side, a folklórico dancer, adorned in a traditional dress painted in purple, yellow, red, and white, twirls gracefully, symbolizing joy and tradition. The front of the calavera is detailed with intricate traditional Mexican patterns in warm tones of yellow, orange, and red, tying together the artwork with a nod to festivity and culture.
NIZ: Wolf Dance or El Baile del Lobo
In the heart of Republic Square stands a striking painted skull, its vibrant colors and intricate designs telling a story deeply rooted in the Tonkawa Tribe’s heritage. The eyes of the skull symbolize the Tonkawa’s profound connection to the peyote religion, reflecting their role as pioneers in establishing its practices and beliefs. This artwork pays homage to the tribe’s resilience, being the only Native American tribe removed twice to Oklahoma.
Adorning the skull are motifs representing the Tribe’s history, inspired by their nomadic lifestyle—tracking buffalo, gathering berries, and the spiritual journeys tied to peyote. Among these motifs, the legacy of Sergeant Johnson, a notable Tonkawa sub-war chief and Scout during Texas’ formative years, resonates powerfully. The spirit of Railroad Cisco, not only a boy born on the Tonkawa’s journey to the Oakland Agency but also a respected spiritual leader of the peyote religion, is woven into the design, symbolizing the hopes and dreams carried by the tribe during times of change.
The painted skull also features representations of the Scalp Dance, where women dancers wield coup sticks to celebrate battle conquests, along with echoes of the revived Buffalo and Snake Dances, celebrating the Tonkawa’s cultural revival. Each brushstroke is a tribute to their enduring spirit and vibrant traditions. The Tonkawa’s modern ambassador, Deaundra “Na•xsitix” Chisholm, the 2024-2025 Tonkawa Tribal Princess, embodies the tribe’s legacy. She stands as a powerful symbol of the Tonkawa’s future while honoring their past. As an ambassador, she invites all who pass through Republic Square to reflect on the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture and history.
-Miranda Nax’ce Myer, Cultural Director of the Tonkawa Tribe
Carmen Rangel: Mercado Origins
Republic Square has long been a vibrant hub for Mexican and Mexican American vendors, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the community. These vendors have historically brought the flavors of Mexico to the heart of the city, offering traditional foods like tamales, tacos, and elotes, alongside an array of colorful candies and sweets. Their presence not only celebrates Mexican culinary traditions but also serves as a vital economic and social platform for local families. Over the years, these vendors have contributed to the square’s lively atmosphere, creating a space where people gather to enjoy authentic tastes and connect with the cultural narratives of their heritage. Through food, they honor their roots, fostering a sense of community and pride in Mexican identity.
Ryan Runcie: Out of Many, One People
The history of the Black community in Austin is rich, extensive, and influenced by multiple African diasporas. The nearest freedman community to Republic Square was the West Austin/Shoal Creek community. (Freedmen are African Americans who were freed from slavery after 1867.) They were in constant contact and shared traditions with the nearby Hispanic communities, naturally creating Afro-Latino culture comprised of foods, music, religion, and art. These communities were thriving with skilled tradesmen, growing educational opportunities, and churches before the master plan of 1928 forced minorities to move to East Austin.
Muertos Mercado
The Muertos Mercado is a vibrant Día de Los Muertos celebration at Republic Square! Mexic-Arte Museum and the Downtown Austin Alliance proudly present a Day of the Day curated market. This event partners with the SFC Farmers’ Market Downtown to showcase over 30 vendors. Enjoy pan de muerto, tamales, dulces, music, and dancing while remembering and honoring our loved ones who have passed on.
Vendors
Enjoy tamales, pan de muerto, mole, hot chocolate, and local art.
Arts and Crafts
Participate in our pop-up community ofrenda, make papel picado, and color our Muertos Mercado coloring book.
Performances
Experience performances by Mi Trova, Samantha Ledezma Montenegro, and the Aztec dancers from Danza Azteca Guadalupana.
ABCDia de los Muertos Coloring Book
Learn about Day of the Dead with our themed alphabet and coloring book!
La Fete de Cinco de Mayo
La Fête de Cinco de Mayo is a vibrant family event and celebration of Mexican and French cultures! Experience the rich intersection of traditions through engaging activities, educational games, lively performances, and a variety of food and art vendors. It’s a day of culture, connection, and creativity you won’t want to miss!
French Influence in Mexican Culture -The French influence in Mexico is evident in architecture, cuisine, fashion and more especially during the 19th century when Emperor Maximilian I of Austria ruled Mexico under French support. French styles in art, design, and urban planning shaped cities like Mexico City, with notable landmarks such as the Castillo de Chapultepec. Likewise, Mexico’s rich cultural heritage, particularly in art, cuisine, and literature, has also influenced France. This exchange continues to enrich both cultures, fostering a unique and enduring connection. Mexico, France, and the U.S. have shared history through events like Cinco de Mayo. Celebrating the diverse connections between Mexico, France, and the U.S. fosters a deeper appreciation of each culture’s unique and interconnected contributions to the world.
Vendors
Alliance Française d’Austin, Austin Aguas Frescas, Austin-Angers Sister Cities, Austin International School, Austin Saltillo Sister Cities, Downtown Austin Alliance, La Patisserie, Mexic-Arte Museum Store, Que Monita Paletas, Sabor a Mi Panadería, Texas State Cercle Français, Vecinos Tacos
Arts and Crafts
Participate in the pan walk dance, loteria, screen printing, and more!
Performances
Austin Lowriders, Ballet Folklorico de Austin, Des Amis Pop, Mi Trova – Cuitlahuac Ortiz, Director, Rebecca Jane Accordion Player, SONART
A survey with a purpose
Have your say in the process that will guide updates on the corridor’s creation.
Do you like the idea of a 5th Street Mexican-American Cultural District as a destination with cultural sites, engaging activities, improved signage and walkways, dining and shopping, and art spaces? As we explore the families, businesses, and stakeholders in the 5th St District, please complete this survey to provide your input!
Canvass data collected in this survey will inform updates on the creation and expansion of the 5th Street Corridor and its mission to transform this rich downtown area into a beautiful and educational destination for tourists and the Austin community alike.