Murals of a praying Virgin of Guadalupe are common in the Latino neighborhoods of Los Angeles, where the mural tradition of Mexico is strong. The Virgin of Guadalupe is Mexico's patron saint, and according to legend the Virgin Mary appeared before Juan Diego in 1531 on Tepeyac Hill north of Mexico City. Tepeya Hill is the site of the former temple of Tonantzin, the Aztec earth goddess and the virgin mother of many of the Aztecs' gods that were worshiped by the native indians. The Virgin asked that a church be built on the hill, and as a sign left a print of roses on Juan Diego's cloak. It was this sighting of the virgin that began the conversion of millions of Indians to Catholicism and has become a symbol of Mexican people around the world. A temple in Mexico City remains at the site and is considered one of the most sacred sites in Latin America.

The murals of Guadalupe have become a signal of a cultural connection to Mexico, and are also displayed as a sign of good luck and religious devotion. This photographic series documents the murals found throughout east and central Los Angeles.