Lively Miraflores Mural Inspires Anaheim Fall Festival Float

National CORE’s Miraflores Apartments are still under construction, but the community’s stunning mural has already inspired a parade float that enraptured hundreds of onlookers during the City of Anaheim’s 100th Fall Festival and Halloween Parade on Oct. 26.

The mural, which features colorful parrots, vibrant fruits and red-hot Anaheim peppers, served as the basis for Anaheim Housing and Community Development Department’s parade float.

Director of Housing and Community Development Department Grace Stepter said her team was thrilled with the mural’s historical and cultural significance.

“The Housing Authority team loves the Miraflores mural, and we were inspired by the use of birds to show cultural awareness for the area,” Stepter said. “The mural has been getting a lot of great attention from residents; we see them taking photos of it all the time.”

The float traveled along Center Street and Broadway, from Anaheim City Hall to Betsy Ross Park to the delight of many. The float also features spirit animal figures and a Day of the Dead motif to celebrate the city’s Latino population.

“Working with development partners like National CORE has been amazing for Anaheim, because their views perfectly align with our drive to provide safe, comfortable and affordable housing for our residents,” Stepter said. “National CORE is also cognizant of our city’s historical and cultural background – so, they’re creating elevated housing communities with vibrant art and useful amenities to make sure our residents feel at home.”