Beneath the vibrant colors and geometric shapes lies a profound story. The Okuda – The Angel of Budapest Mural stands as a tribute to Ángel Sanz Briz. He was a Spanish diplomat who saved thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War II.
The Okuda – The Angel of Budapest Mural is in Budapest’s seventh district. This district teems with urban art. Spanish artist Okuda San Miguel created this brightly hued image. It honors Ángel Sanz-Briz. He is often called the “Spanish Schindler”. He rescued around 5000 Hungarian Jews from the Holocaust in 1944. He issued them Spanish passports.
In October 1966, Yad Vashem honored Sanz-Briz. They gave him the title of “Righteous Among the Nations”. The Spanish embassy in Hungary supported the artwork. The mural is in the former Jewish Ghetto of Budapest.
The Okuda – The Angel of Budapest Mural is part of the “Murals for Freedom” project. This project commemorates Spanish diplomats. These diplomats saved the lives of thousands of Jews during World War II. The embassies of Spain in Budapest, Bucharest, and Sofia are behind this initiative. The Spanish Agency for International Cooperation for Development also contributed.
The Okuda – The Angel of Budapest Mural is six meters by six meters. It stands on Dob Street number 4. This is in the Jewish quarter of Budapest. Okuda San Miguel is a renowned graffiti artist from Spain. He is known for his geometric and colorful style. He has created murals worldwide.
The mural’s location bears great symbolism. It is near the Great Synagogue of Budapest. This is the largest synagogue in Europe. Hundreds of Holocaust victims are buried there. The mural was unveiled shortly after the 50th anniversary. This marked when Yad Vashem honored Ángel Sanz Briz.
Okuda spent three days on a mobile crane. He used countless spray paint cans to complete the Okuda – The Angel of Budapest Mural. Despite bad weather, the mural was inaugurated on time. Representatives of the Jewish community attended. Holocaust survivors and their families were present. The Deputy Mayor of Erzsébetváros also attended.
The Okuda – The Angel of Budapest Mural is now a key point on Budapest’s tourist circuit. It commemorates the Spanish Legation’s work during the war. The mural is in a busy tourist area. This ensures many people see it. The district has a rich artistic tradition.
The Okuda – The Angel of Budapest Mural joins other iconic large-scale paintings in the neighborhood. These include the Rubik’s Cube mural. They also include the mural commemorating Hungary’s football victory over England in 1953.
This artwork serves as a reminder. It honors those who risked their lives to save others. The Okuda – The Angel of Budapest Mural ensures Ángel Sanz Briz’s legacy lives on. It inspires us to stand up for humanity.