VALDOSTA — Customers will be surprised by the changes Las Banderas has seen recently. Brothers Lisandro and Efrain Cruz have worked hard to improve the decor and the atmosphere at their Mexican restaurant. In just eight months, they have created a new Las Banderas that is full of personality, art and great food.

The recent changes are the result of visions the brothers had when they purchased the restaurant five years ago. They knew what it could one day become; however, lack of funds hindered an immediate transformation. As soon as they were able, the redecorating began.

Beautiful, colorful murals of suns and gods on the ceiling were hand painted one tile at the time. The large paintings on the walls were also hand-painted and depict religious situations and Mexican culture.

One painting on display alone in the middle of the restaurant, portrays Jesus carrying the pope to heaven. It was painted by Efrain Cruz the day the pope died and is a very special to the Catholic brothers.

Handcrafted tables with pictures etched in the wood now fill the dining room area. These and other tables were hand-painted with flowers, suns, religious pictures and other fun subjects.

Lilies, a sentimental flower to the brothers whose family still in Mexico sells them, rest in boxes on the walls to accent those on tables and in paintings.

Of course, lilies aren’t the only taste of true Mexican culture. Even the bar tells a story through pictures and Spanish language of how Mexican children were raised to be warriors.

Customers can look through the colorful draperies that now border the windows and tiki shades cover them, both handmade, to see new details outside.

More had crafted tables, colorful placemats and wooden carts holding flowers and decor.

It takes more than a mere glance to take in the many details of the Spanish decor, but it is certain that from the large murals down to the lily boxes, all of it has its roots in Mexican culture.

Efrain Cruz is more than the restaurant’s co-owner and manager. He is the artist primarily responsible for the new decor in Las Banderas. His is the hand involved in every handcrafted piece.

He is painting again for the first time after the death of his father almost 10 years ago. After the sad event, he gave up his passion, but at the request of Lisandro, he began painting for the restaurant.

Now, ideas will not stop coming and his inspiration is his family.

“Especially my Mama,” the talented artist said.

Family and home are also the inspiration for Las Banderas cuisine. The many authentic dishes come from their original home, Vera Cruz, Mexico.

The new atmosphere created by the decor is impressive and more is still to come. While the brothers want to continue enhancing the decorations on the inside and outside, they also want add fine dining items to the menu.

“People think that there is nothing more to Mexican food than tacos and burritos, but that is not the case,” Lisandro Cruz said. “With the paintings and the menu, we really want to bring American people a little piece of Vera Cruz.”

Las Banderas will be known for more than a car wash and Saturday Salsa dance nights now. Its authentic food, beautiful Mexican style decor and fun, friendly atmosphere set it apart from any other restaurant of its kind.