El Salvador Local Customs

  Another of the beautiful flowers on the...
by mikey_e
 
  • Another of the beautiful flowers on the volcano
      Another of the beautiful flowers on the...
    by mikey_e
  • A sculpture in the dreams and nightmares exhibit
      A sculpture in the dreams and nightmares...
    by mikey_e
  • Modern Salvadorean Art
      Modern Salvadorean Art
    by mikey_e
  • More dreams and nightmares
      More dreams and nightmares
    by mikey_e
  • Weird peacocks at the pool
      Weird peacocks at the pool
    by mikey_e
 

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

El Salvador Del Mundo

by Ken_Weaver

This is the National Saint Day in El Salvador.The day is August 6 but the Salvadoreños start early with celebration and make a week out of it. In San Salvador there are many fiestas with dancing in the street and a big parade. Check with the National Office of Tourists to get the exact schedule. In the out-laying communities the week is celebrated according to the traditions of that area.

Tip Photo
El Salvador Independence Day

by Ken_Weaver

September 15, 1821, is the National Independence Day in El Salvador. After 300 years of rule by Spain, El Salvador claimed its independence from the Continent. Not much changed, however, because the famous "Fourteen Families," continued to dominate the power in the country with their wealth. There have been various coups but the ones who always seem to wind up in power are there because the families want them there. Some of that has changed since the Civil War of 1980-92.The Celebration includes lavish military pomp and circumstance and revelry among the people.

Tip Photo
Carrera de Cintas

by Ken_Weaver

We arrived at the village of El Milagro just as they were begining a Fiesta to welcome their neighbors to their new homes. This event was center of attention as 24 horses and riders took turns galloping full speed toward a horizonally stretch rope. On the rope was hanging a small ring probably about an inch in diameter. The rider would attempt to spear the ring with a stick no bigger than a pencil while attempting to control his horse and not get "clotheslined" by the rope. If they achieved this task, they returned to the area of the Fiesta Queen contestants to receive a small prize and hopefully a kiss(beso in Spanish) from one of the contestants. Each time a rider was successful, the crowd would chant "Beso, Beso!"

Tip Photo
You'll soon find out why...

by MarcG

You'll soon find out why everyone agrees that salvadoreans are friendly people, getting to meet the locals will be a highlight of your trip, take the time to mingle. If you want a sample of local culture make sure to check the cultural activities in San Salvador, the National Symphony Orchestra has regular concerts at Teatro Presidente (near Zona Rosa) for an incredibly low price. Visit local galleries to see the works of salvadorean artists, it's free and there is a lot of talent, I would especially recommend Galeria Vilanova at Punto Literario in Zona Rosa, and El Arbol de Dios at Colonia Maqulishuat, check the listings in local newspapers or in the www. Most villages have their patron saint festivities and are a must see mix of religious, popular and folk traditions. In may and october Panchimalco has the Procesion de las Palmas, Cacaopera, Santa Ana, San Miguel, Sonsonate, etc. all...

Tip Photo
You'll soon find out why...

by jepclg98

You'll soon find out why everyone agrees that salvadoreans are very friendly people always ready to help you when you have problems, getting to meet the locals will be a highlight of your trip, take the time to mingle. If you want a sample of local culture make sure to check the cultural activities in San Salvador, the National Symphony Orchestra has regular concerts at Teatro Presidente (near Zona Rosa) for an incredibly low price. Visit local galleries to see the works of salvadorean artists, it's free and there is a lot of talent, I would especially recommend Galeria Vilanova at Punto Literario in Zona Rosa, and El Arbol de Dios at Colonia Maqulishuat, check the listings in local newspapers or in the www. Most villages have their patron saint festivities and are a must see mix of religious, popular and folk traditions. In may and october Panchimalco has the Procesion de las Palmas,...

Tip Photo
As everyone knows, El Salvador...

by darthmilmo

As everyone knows, El Salvador faced a disastrous Civil War that lasted into the early 1990's. The effects of the war are still present in the means of security. There are more guns in San Salvador then any other county I’ve been to (with the exception of some areas in the US, including Texas, I guess ).

Smile, Smile, Smile. Learn...

by nelsleon

Smile, Smile, Smile. Learn some phrases like -good morning-, -good afternoon-, -good evening-, -hello-, -thank you-, etc...Salvadorans like Americans, they don't like stuck up people. Be as humble as they are and you might get a discount or maybe something free. Never, never, never refuse food or drink. It's a common thing to offer that to visitors.

Salvadors know the very bad...

by malcolm6

Salvadors know the very bad reputation their country sustained during the 12 year civil war. But they also know (which many Americans do not) that the war ended in 1992. The nation has been working very hard to rebuild ever since. The war left its mark, but still a lot has been accomplished since it ended. Just show you can see the good things in El Salvador and the major achievements of the last few years. Salvadorans are some of the most friendly people on earth, with accomplishments in arts, letters, and science astounding for a poor nation of less than 6 million people. When you go to El Salvador you don't have to be blind to its faults, but don't be blind to the extraordinary natural beauty, the wonderful architecture, the people, the food, and all of the other riches of this very rich culture. My other web site on El Salvador is www.geocities.com/malcolm6 e-mail malcolm6@yahoo.com

Tip Photo
A popular way to travel

by easterntrekker

The back of a truck seems the most popular way to travel When you see how crowded the old buses are you have to think this is the better way!!

Tip Photo
Better than a suitcase

by easterntrekker

The women in El Salvadore carry everything in baskets on their head. They move along quickly and the weight seems to be well distributed that way and their hands are free. Seems to work for them!!

Tip Photo

Top 3 Hotels in El Salvador

Marriott San Salvador  San Salvador

 2 Reviews and 39 Opinions  This hotel is a nice place to stay, clean, neat. Staff friendly and helpful. It is located in front... 

 Hotels in San Salvador

Royal Decameron Salinitas  Sonsonate

 1 Review and 828 Opinions  [placeholder] 

 Hotels in Sonsonate

Comfort Inn San Miguel  San Miguel

 12 Opinions

 Hotels in San Miguel

The Place

Reviews and photos of El Salvador attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for El Salvador sightseeing.

Experience El Salvador
 

Questions and Answers

LAtraveler72 profile photo

Q:  I will be travelling to San Salvador on a last minute whim this Fri-Tue. If anyone knows of any family memebers or friends that I... 

LAtraveler72 profile photo

A: I may consider that. How much do you charge? I'm looking more for dining, drinking and cultural stuff. Not interested in all day tourist sites. Let me know and I will... 

Read 2 Replies

postQuestion_button