On September 12, 2026, a new mural was officially revealed to the public, as part of the Puerto Rican Cultural DIstrict in Holyoke. The mural is “La Borinqueña Defends Puerto Rico!” created by author, writer, and storyteller, Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez.

This mural was made, thanks to the fantastic work of Common Wealth Murals, and the participation of community members.

The event began with the reading of a poem, written by Mishie Serrano.

Holyoke Mayor, Joshua García, along city councilors Tessa Murphy-Romboletti, Juan Anderson-Burgos, Patti Devine, and Rick Purcell, as well as members of the Holyoke School Committee, Dr. Yadilette Rivera-Colón, Orlando Isaza, State Rep. Patricia Duffy, and State Senator John Velis, joined the event to introduce this new piece of public art, located on Hamilton Street and the corner of Main Street, in South Holyoke.

The event culminated with a ribbon cutting and celebration of the new mural, which adds itself into the collection of public art in the South Holyoke area.

Miranda-Rodriguez created La Borinqueña, inspired by the positive reception of his Marvel character Abuela Estella. Edgardo recognized a lack of representation in the comic book universe and created “La Borinqueña” to offer a stronger presence for the Puerto Rican and Latino communities.

He named the protagonist Marisol Rios De La Luz, an Afro-Boricua Brooklyn resident, Columbia University environmental studies student, and community activist, blending indigenous traditions and island history with modern societal challenges. Rather than traditional supervillains, the comic tackles real-world issues including voting rights, climate change, and police accountability. Miranda-Rodriguez envisions Marisol/La Borinqueña, and her academic and activist identity as her primary strength, describing her as a symbol of hope rather than a traditional crime fighter.

This project was possible as a collaboration of the City of Holyoke, Nueva Esperanza, The Barr Foundation, Mass Cultural Council, and Common Wealth Murals.

You can also watch the interview we had with Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez after the ribbon cutting, here.

Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez, interviewed by Iohann Rashi Vega. Photo by Mishie Serrano.