El Papalote and El Trompo

Artwork in development – coming in 2024 . El Trompo and El Papalote by San Antonio artist Joe R. Villarreal are monumental emblems of childhood play. Children’s games and nostalgia are central themes in Villarreal’s distinguished career. An artist since 1957, his work speaks to the rich multicultural heritage of San Antonio’s Westside. El Trompo and El Papalote celebrate the people who define the unique character of our city.

The kite (papalote) is made from the newspaper La Prensa. This newspaper was the first and oldest bilingual publication in the state of Texas (established in 1913). The trompo is a vintage top thrown from a string wound around its body. Players compete inside a circle drawn on the ground for the longest spin, to strike a central coin, and sometimes even perform tricks. The string coils toward the trompo’s apex as if it has been freshly spun in one of these friendly competitions. The artist hopes each work is a reminder of fun-filled childhood afternoons.