Within the coronary heart of the Carabanchel district, a towering monument has been erected in honor of one in every of Spain's hottest comedian artists, Francisco Ibáñez. On the façade of a constructing at 46 Basic Ricardos Avenue, a vibrant mural depicts the loopy vertical world of 13, Rue del Percebe — a comic book strip first revealed in 1961.
This surreal constructing, —the place rats, fraudsters and mad scientists share a property, is greater than only a comedian; it's a portrait of the Iberian humor of the absurd that has delighted readers for many years.
The mural, a collaboration between city artists NSN997 and Keru de Kolorz, was unveiled on March 15, 2025 to mark the primary “Official Day of Francisco Ibáñez”, which coincides with the artist's birthday. The celebrations included family-friendly actions comparable to face portray, coloring stations and a sticker raffle — all designed to introduce youthful generations to the chaotic allure of Ibáñez's universe. His daughter Nuria attended the occasion, expressing gratitude for the general public tribute.
Ibáñez, who died in 2023, created over 200 comedian tales in his 70-year profession, together with the long-lasting Mortadelo y Filemón, Rompetechos and El botones Sacarino. His most architectural legacy, nonetheless, is 13, Rue del Percebe — with its inflexible construction— of gags per story.
Althoug Ibáñez deserted the format within the Seventies, the satirical cross-section of Spanish life left an indelible impression on the cultural psyche. In the present day, the mural is a part of Carabanchel's burgeoning avenue artwork route and represents each an homage and a vacation spot. It's a place the place comedian panels meet concrete — and the place the absurd turns into monumental.
