Naples strengthens protection of iconic Maradona mural ahead of third anniversary of his death

The city of Naples is reinforcing surveillance and pedestrian traffic measures around the famous mural of Diego Maradona in the Quartieri Spagnoli, ahead of the third anniversary of his death on November 25. The mural, created in 1990 by street artist Mario Filardi on the facade of a building in what is now Largo Maradona, has become a global symbol of the city. Following clashes with Eintracht Frankfurt fans in March 2023 who threatened to deface the work, the municipality has implemented a pedestrian mobility plan to manage the daily flow of tourists. The mural was restored by Argentine artist Bosoletti after Filardi's death in 2016, with the help of artisan Salvatore Iodice. On November 25, before the Atalanta-Napoli match, a celebration will take place in Largo Maradona, featuring a giant screen broadcasting the game. The region of Campania passed a law in May 2023 to promote and valorize street art. The mural is now protected by copyright law, similar to Banksy's 'Migrant Child'.