One of Walter Mercado's most iconic capes, the one he wore in the Puerto Rican Day parades, is now part of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Yes, that's how significant his legacy is!
This gesture reflects how much Walter meant to Latino culture: a Puerto Rican astrologer who became a true legend and conquered an entire society for more than 50 years.
The Smithsonian showed the installation of the cape with a beautiful video (very emotional) and this message: "Under our supervision, no sequin is left behind," published in its social media accounts; the museum announced the arrival of the emblematic cape to its facilities.
Walter was much more than just an astrologer; he was a cultural figure who, for decades, offered hope, love, and guidance to millions of people. He began his career on television during the 1970s, reading daily horoscopes full of positivity and good energy.
With a magnetic personality and unmistakable style, Walter quickly endeared himself to audiences and became a constant presence in every Latino household.
More than reading the stars
What made Walter Mercado so special was beyond his astrological knowledge. He had a special way of communicating messages. His presence on television was accompanied by a theatrical style: he wore super flashy rings, glittering capes with embroidery and precious stones, and always conveyed an air of mysticism and royalty.
His capes, designed especially for him, became a hallmark of his image. Each had a special meaning, representing the zodiac signs, spirituality, and the search for positive energy. There were also some even more special, which he wore in moments like the Puerto Rican Day parade.
Phrases that we repeat to this day
In addition to his appearance, Walter Mercado's phrases also left an indelible mark in the collective memory. At the end of each of his segments, he would always say in a musical and comforting tone, "Lots and lots of love!". This phrase became his motto and a reminder that, no matter life's difficulties, love and positivity should prevail.
Among his other popular phrases were, "He who sows love, reaps love" and "Remember that in life everything is possible, it only depends on you and the stars." These words brought comfort and strength to those who listened to him, and according to his followers, his messages were often a ray of light in difficult times, winning him the heart of Latinos around the world.
Walter Mercado's impact on the Latino community was profound
His horoscopes not only provided an astrological forecast, or hope, but also his presence and persona helped pave the way for tolerance of sexual identity, even if it was incipient for an era marked by machismo and homophobia on television.
In 2020, Netflix premiered the documentary entitled "Mucho, mucho amor, la leyenda de Walter Mercado," in which they unveiled the character behind the icon. In several interviews, his producers commented that when interviewing him, they did not know who they were going to meet, but that Walter had surprised them profoundly.
Walter Mercado's legacy lives on. His messages of love and positivity, along with his unique personality and wardrobe, have immortalized him as an icon of Latino popular culture. The display of one of his capes at the Smithsonian Museum not only honors his memory, but also recognizes the influence he had on generations of Latinos around the world.
It appears that Walter Mercado will continue to shine in this world with "mucho, mucho amor."
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