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Birthplace
Ponce, Puerto Rico
Field Best Known For
Visual Artist and Community Activist
Awards & Recognition
Honored by the National Puerto Rican Day Parade for his contributions to Puerto Rican culture
Bio
Héctor Collazo Hernández is a Puerto Rican visual artist and community activist renowned for his project "78 pueblos y 1 bandera" ("78 Towns and One Flag"), through which he paints the Puerto Rican flag in each of the island's 78 municipalities. Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Collazo Hernández is the eldest of eight siblings. His initiative began as a personal healing process following the loss of his brother and evolved into a movement symbolizing unity and cultural pride across Puerto Rico. By transforming abandoned buildings into vibrant murals, his work not only beautifies public spaces but also fosters tourism and community engagement. His efforts have been widely recognized, including honors from the National Puerto Rican Day Parade, highlighting his significant impact on preserving and promoting Puerto Rican identity.
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