The alleyway gallery on Balmy Street was started in 1975 by Mujeres Muralistas, and exploded into its present glory in 1985, when three dozen muralists threw up 27 pieces on the back road’s garage doors, walls and sitting stoops.

DAY of the DEAD PROCESSION [Nov 2nd]: Sadly, SFPD-Mission decided in 2006 to no longer allow the long-time climax of the procession to occur and have barricaded both ends of the alley during the procession between 7 and 10pm. For over 20 years the most memorable and moving part of the procession was entering the magical space entrained with other celebrants concentrating the sacred energy until you emerged for the Festival of the Altars held in Garfield Park on 25th St. .

For a guided tour of Balmy Alley- check out Precita Eyes. They offer murals tours every weekend. Well worth it. Or just come stroll the alley on your own. Precita Eyes is a collaborative nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching and beautifying urban environments and educating communities about the process and the history of public community mural art.

Please remember that murals are copyrighted works of art. Photographs are for your personal enjoyment only. Any photos taken of copyrighted murals for the purpose of reproduction (including t-shirts, album covers, web sites, guide books, etc) can only be used with written permission from the muralists. If you are interested in getting permission, please contact Precita Eyes at 415-285-2287 or by email at publicity@precitaeyes.org.