Semana Santa in El Salvador is a week of intense religious devotion and cultural expression. The city of Sonsonate is famous for its elaborate sawdust carpets (alfombras) created for processions to pass over. In San Salvador, the Way of the Cross procession on Good Friday draws thousands of participants. Many Salvadorans visit beaches or lakes during this time, combining religious observance with relaxation. Traditional foods include tortas de pescado (fish cakes) and jocotes en miel (local fruit in syrup). Some communities maintain the tradition of the “Judas burning” on Holy Saturday. In rural areas, passion plays and living Stations of the Cross are common, involving entire communities in the reenactment of Christ’s final days.
Semana Santa Traditions in El Salvador
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