New Mural Honors Historic Dragon Tree Lost in Los Realejos Storm

When a piece of local history disappears, it leaves a void that is hard to fill. In the San Francisco neighborhood of Los Realejos, however, the community has found a creative way to keep a lost memory alive. After a 200-year-old dragon tree was destroyed by Storm Regina in March 2026, a new mural has been created to help soften the loss of this beloved landmark.

Local artist Adán Pérez Farráis led the project, which serves as more than just decoration; it is a way to honor the neighborhood's history. Standing 12 meters high and 6 meters wide, the mural was commissioned by the local council after residents expressed how much the tree meant to their community identity. Painting it was no easy task: because the site sits on a steep slope, the artist had to use a crane rather than traditional scaffolding to ensure he could capture the realistic detail his work is known for.

The preparation process was just as challenging as the painting itself. The wall’s rough, stucco-like surface had to be carefully cleaned, sanded, and treated before a high-quality base coat could be applied. The texture of the wall was so absorbent that it took 15 liters of blue paint just to cover the background, requiring a highly skilled technique to achieve a smooth, uniform finish.

This project marks another milestone for Pérez Farráis, who has spent over a decade establishing himself as a professional urban artist. His journey—from a self-taught teenager to an artist now recognized by local institutions—shows how muralism is increasingly being used to bring communities together. For the people of San Francisco, the new mural does more than just fill a blank wall; it restores a symbol that served as a meeting point and a witness to daily life for generations.