ORIGIN OF THE SALVADORAN HISTORY
El Salvador was inhabited by Paleo-Indian
peoples as early as 10, 000 years ago, and their intriguing paintings (the
earliest of which date from 8000 BC) can still be seen and marveled at in caves
outside the towns of Corinto and Cacaopera, both in Morazán.
Before the Spanish conquest, the area that is
known as El Salvador was composed of three indigenous states: the
Pipils, a tribe of the nomadic people of Nahua that were
settled there for a long time. The region of the east was populated and then
governed by the Lencas. The North zone of the Lempa High River was populated
and governed by the Chortis, a Mayan people.
 |
| Indigenous States |
 |
| Pipils |
 |
| Chortis |
 |
| Lencas |
The Olmecas were the first advanced Meso-american civilization, and are believed to have lived in present-day El Salvador as early as 2000 BC. The 'Olmec Boulder, ' a sculpture of a giant head found near Casa Blanca in Western El Salvador, is very similar to those found in Olmec centers in Tabasco, Mexico, and suggests their early presence and influence here.
 |
| The Olmec Boulder |
El Salvador was an important trading center, and its archaeological remains show evidence of a number of influences, including Teotihuacán and Pipil Mayan in the west, and Lenca, Chorti and Pok'omama in the east. The step pyramid ruins at Tazumal, San Andrés and Casa Blanca (and the surrounding area, much of it unexcavated) have evidence of more than 3000 years of nearly-constant pre-Hispanic occupation, and they exhibit more than a dozen distinct building phases.
 |
| Tazumal |
 |
| San Andrés |
 |
| Casa Blanca |
Spanish Conquest
(1524–1525). The first Spanish attempt to control El Señorío of Cuzcatlán, or The Lordship of Cuzcatlán, failed in 1524, when Pedro de Alvarado was forced to retreat by Pipil warriors led by King Atlacatl and Prince Atonal in the Battle of Acajuctla. In 1525, he returned and succeeded in bringing the district under control of the Audiencia of Mexico.
(1525–1609) Pedro de Alvarado named the area for Jesus Christ - El Salvador ("The Savior"). He was appointed its first governor, a position he held until his death in 1541.
 |
| Pedro de Alvarado |
Once the Viceroy was defeated in the capital city –today Mexico City- in 1821, the news of the independence were sent to all the territories of New Spain including the Intendencies of the former Captaincy of Guatemala. Accepting this as a fact, El Salvador joined the other Central American Intendencies in a joint declaration of independence from Spain. The public proclamation was done through the Act of Independence in 1821.
 |
In 1832, Anastasio Aquino led an indigenous revolt against Criollos and Mestizos in Santiago Nonualco, a small town in the province of La Paz. The source of the discontent of the indigenous people was the constant abuse and the lack of land to cultivate. The problem of land distribution has been the source of many political conflicts in Salvadoran history.
 |
| Anastasio Aquino |
The Central American federation was dissolved in 1838 and El Salvador became an independent republic.
➼Clic here for more information: History
➼Video: History of El Salvador.
EVOLUTION OF THE SALVADORAN HISTORY
From Indigo to Coffee: Displacement
El Salvador's landed elite depended on production of a single export
crop, indigo. This led the elite to be attracted to certain lands while leaving
other lands, especially those around former volcanic eruptions, to the poor
subsistence farming and the Indian communes. In the middle of the 19th century,
however, indigo was replaced by chemical dyes. The landed elite replaced this
crop with a newly demanded product, coffee.
 |
| Indigo |
The lands that had once been dependent for the product (indigo) were
suddenly quite valuable. The elite-controlled legislature and president passed
vagrancy laws that removed people from their land and the great majority of
Salvadorans became landless. Their former lands were absorbed into the coffee
plantations (fincas).
The Oligarchy
The oligarchy that have controlled El Salvador's history were all but
feudal lords. Although the constitution was amended repeatedly in favor of the
feudal lords (in 1855, 1864, 1871, 1872, 1880, 1883, and 1886), several
elements remained constant throughout.
 |
| Feudal Lords |
The wealthy landowners were granted super-majority power in the national
legislature and economy (for example, the 1824 constitution provided for a
unicameral legislature of 70 deputies, in which 42 seats were set aside for the
landowners). The president, selected from the landed elite, was also granted
significant power throughout. Each of El Salvador's 14 regional departments had
a governor appointed by the president. The rapid changes in the constitution
are mainly due to the attempts of various presidents to hold onto power. (For
example, President Gerardo Barrios created a new constitution to extend his
term limit.)
 |
| Gerardo Barrios |
Coffee gave birth to the oligarchy in the late 19th century, and
economic growth has revolved around them ever since.
The fourteen families "las catorce families" is a reference to
the oligarchy which controlled most of the land and wealth in El Salvador during
the 19th and 20th centuries with names including de Sola, Llach, Hill, Duenas,
Dalton, Regalado, Quinonez and Salaverria.
In the last 35 years, the men of economic power in El Salvador have
transformed themselves: landowning agricultural exporters converted into
powerful financiers.
Before the commencement of the civil war in 1980, the Salvadoran economy
revolved around three agricultural products: coffee (which was pre-eminent),
sugar cane, and cotton. These defined the life of this small country that had a
population of no more than 3 million inhabitants.
 |
| Sugar Cane |
 |
| Cotton |
 |
| Coffee |
Eight business conglomerates now dominate economic life in El Salvador
and they are largely owned by the descendants of original 14 families of the
coffee oligarchy. Those 8 business groups are:
 |
| Grupo Cuscatlan |
 |
| Banagricola |
 |
| Banco Salvadoreño |
 |
| Banco de Comercio |
 |
| Grupo Agrisal |
 |
| Grupo Poma |
- Grupo de Sola
- Grupo Hill.
Military Dictatorships (1931–1979)
Between
1931, the year of Gen. Maximiliano Hernández Martínez's coup, and 1944, when he
was deposed, there was brutal suppression of rural resistance. The most notable
event was the 1932 Salvadoran peasant uprising headed by Farabundo Martí, Chief
Feliciano Ama from the Izalco tribe and Chief Francisco "Chico"
Sanchez from Juayua, Izalco subdivision. The government retaliation, commonly
referred to as La Matanza (the 'slaughter').
 |
Gen. Maximiliano Hernández Martínez |
 |
| La Matanza (the 'slaughter') |
The National Conciliation Party was in power from the early 1960s until 1979. Gen Fidel Sánchez Hernández was president from 1967 to 1972, Col Arturo A. Molina from 1972 to 1977, and the last one was Gen Carlos Humberto Romero from 1977 to 1979. During the 1970s, there was great political instability. In the 1972 presidential election, opponents of military rule united under José Napoleón Duarte, leader of the Christian Democratic Party (PDC).
 |
| José Napoleón Duarte |
➼Video: Salvadoran Documentary Film.
CULTURAL ASPECTS OF CENTRAL AMERICA
Central America is an isthmus, or land bridge, that unites the two continents of North and South America. It consists of seven countries: Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama. Except for Belize, all of these countries were first settled by the Spanish in the early 1500s and remained part of the Spanish colonial empire until they revolted for independence in 1821. The culinary history of the three-hundred-year colonial period has not been studied as thoroughly as it has in Mexico or in South America, in part because many documents relating to the area are housed in Spain rather than in local archives. Furthermore, while Central America attempted to unite politically following independence, that effort eventually failed. This political fragmentation has left a distinctive imprint on the culinary profile of the region. In spite of this, however, there are certain unifying features.
Climate
The climates of Central America are essentially tropical, tempered by proximity to the sea, by elevation, by latitude, and by local topography; in consequence, they may vary substantially over short distances. Elevation mitigates the climatic effects of Central America’s tropical latitude so that average temperatures in the highlands are much lower than those in the coastal lowlands. Rainfall occurs primarily during the summer and is heaviest between May and November. January through March are the driest months. In general, the Caribbean side receives about twice as much rain as the Pacific region.
Common Features
An unifying
feature is the composition of the people themselves. The population of Central
America consists mainly of four groups: mestizos, a mixture of Spanish and
native peoples and the largest group; small pockets of indigenous populations;
Africans; and people of unmixed European descent sometimes referred to as
Creoles. Throughout much of the region, African populations are concentrated
along the Atlantic coastline, while mestizos populate the Pacific side. The
central area of the isthmus is home to a lush rainforest sparsely populated by
small groups of indigenous tribes.
Ethnic Groups
Guatemala
- The major ethnic groups in Guatemala are the Maya and the ladinos (Spanish for “Latins”), those of mixed indigenous and European descent.
- Statistics indicate that approximately 60.2% of the population is "non-indigenous",referring to the mestizo population and the people of European origin.
- Approximately 39.8% of the population is indigenous and consist of 23 Maya groups and one non-Maya group. These are divided as follows: (K'iche 9.1%, 8.4% Kaqchikel, Mam 7.9%, 6.3% Q'eqchi', other Maya peoples 8.6%, 0.2% indigenous non-Maya).
El Salvador
- The population of El Salvador is racially and culturally homogeneous, with about 90% mestizo (mixed white and Amerindian), 1% Amerindian (mainly the Pipil tribes), and 9% white.
Honduras
- Around 90 percent of the population in Honduras is racially mestizo (people of mixed indigenous and European ancestry). The remainder of the population is composed of indigenous natives (7 percent); people of African descent, or blacks (2 percent); and those of European descent, or whites (1 percent).
- Mestizos, whites, and most blacks are culturally ladinos (those who practice Hispanic cultural patterns).
- Ladinos speak Spanish, and the majority are members of the Roman Catholic Church, although Protestant denominations made significant gains in membership among this group in the 1980s, especially in the larger cities.
Nicaragua
- As an ethnical group the Nicaraguan population is considered to be ‘mestizo’, a mix between Spanish and indigenous people.
- There are no census data on racial composition, but estimates place the mestizo component at 69% and the white population at 17%; blacks account for 9%, and Amerindians for the remaining 5%.
Costa Rica
- The population is fairly homogeneous, primarily of European (mainly Spanish) descent.
- Whites and mestizos (mixed white and Amerindian) account for 94% of the total population.
- The remainder are blacks (3%), Chinese (1%), and Amerindians (1%).
- The blacks for the most part are of Jamaican origin or descent, and some mulattoes live mainly in the Limón port area. Most of the Amerindians reside on isolated reservations.
Panama
- The racial and cultural composition of Panama is highly diverse. According to recent estimates, some 70% of the inhabitants are mestizo (mixed Amerindian and white) or mulatto (mixed white and black); 14% are Amerindian and mixed (West Indian); 10% are white (mostly Europeans); and 6% are Amerindian.
- There is also a Chinese community of about 100,000. About 100,000 Amerindians live in isolation in eastern Panama and on the San Blas Islands.
Religion
Roman
Catholicism is the professed religion of four out of five Central Americans;
almost all others adhere to various Protestant faiths. In the more remote areas
(principally inhabited by Indians), traditional religious practices and Roman
Catholicism coexist. By the 21st century, Evangelical Protestantism made
substantial inroads into traditionally Roman Catholic communities.
 |
| Metropolitan Cathedral San Jose Costa Rica |
 |
| Metropolitan Cathedral of El Salvador |
 |
| Metropolitan Cathedral of Guatemala |
 |
| The Cathedral at Comayagua, Honduras |
 |
| Catheral Leon Nicaragua |
 |
| The Metropolitan Cathedral in Casco Viejo, Panama City |
Economy
From the
mid-19th century Central America’s economy was based on the production of
coffee and bananas for export. Cotton, sugar, and beef were exported in
increasing amounts after World War II. Corn (maize), beans, and squash
traditionally have been grown as staple foods. By the end of the 20th century,
Central America’s governments had attempted to revitalize the economy by
fostering the diversification and expansion of nontraditional exports and
free-trade zones, and assembly plants (maquiladoras) were established to
encourage the expansion and decentralization of manufacturing.
Much industrial
employment is in the form of cottage industries, and artisans outnumber factory
workers. The processing of food, beverages, and tobacco and the making of
textiles, clothing, shoes, furniture, and leather are the main industries.
Agriculture still employs a larger proportion of workers than any other
sector—except in Panama, where services, largely related to the Panama Canal,
are of major economic importance. Tourism has increased mainly in Belize,
Guatemala, and Costa Rica.
Typical And Traditional Food
Guatemala
- Corn and beans (frijoles) are central (preference for black beans)
- Complementary foods: rice, plantains, meats (beef, chicken, turkey), cheese
- Herbs include cilantro, parsley, chilies.
- Variety according to region and ethnicity.
Honduras
- Corn and bean as central, but great variations across the country.
- North: African influence (Yucca tortillas, seafood)
- East: Higher meat consumption (livestock)
- West: High indigenous population, more corn consumption.
El Salvador
- Smaller of the Central American countries.
- Diets are also based on corn and bean.
- Urban / rural variations in diet.
Nicaragua
There is a major
difference between the Pacific, Atlantic/Caribbean, Northern and Central
Nicaraguan foods—particularly the type of vegetables and spices consumed.
Yet, there is
one omnipresent base ingredient: corn.
Costa Rica
- The base of Costa Rican food is the rice and beans.
- Costa Rican food is generally quite healthy when coupled with
an active lifestyle. Cheese and other dairy products are rarely utilized.
Often served with a good portion of fruits or vegetables or both, the
meals are very well rounded and generally high in fiber.
Panama
It’s hard to
pinpoint exactly what Panamanian cuisine is because like the Panamanian people,
it is very diverse.
- Along the Caribbean and Pacific coasts, the diet consists of mainly coconut, seafood, root vegetables, and tropical fruits.
- The interior communities of Panamá are majority latino
communities based in agriculture, so they enjoy mainly root vegetables,
starchy fruits, livestock (cows and pigs), chicken, beans and rice.
➼Clic here for more info:
HOLIDAYS
Date
|
Weekday
|
Holiday
Name
|
Holiday
Type
|
|
Jan 1
|
Sunday
|
National holiday
|
||
Jan 16
|
Monday
|
Observance
|
||
Mar 8
|
Wednesday
|
Observance
|
||
Mar 20
|
Monday
|
Season
|
||
Mar 26
|
Sunday
|
National holiday
|
||
Apr 9
|
Sunday
|
Observance, Christian
|
||
Apr 13
|
Thursday
|
National holiday, Christian
|
||
Apr 14
|
Friday
|
National holiday, Christian
|
||
Apr 15
|
Saturday
|
National holiday, Christian
|
||
Apr 16
|
Sunday
|
Observance, Christian
|
||
May 1
|
Monday
|
National holiday
|
||
May 3
|
Wednesday
|
Observance
|
||
May 7
|
Sunday
|
Observance
|
||
May 10
|
Wednesday
|
National holiday
|
||
Jun 17
|
Saturday
|
National holiday
|
||
Jun 21
|
Wednesday
|
Season
|
||
Jun 22
|
Thursday
|
Observance
|
||
Aug 4
|
Friday
|
National holiday
|
||
Aug 5
|
Saturday
|
National holiday
|
||
Aug 6
|
Sunday
|
National holiday
|
||
Sep 15
|
Friday
|
National holiday
|
||
Sep 22
|
Friday
|
Season
|
||
Oct 1
|
Sunday
|
Observance
|
||
Oct 12
|
Thursday
|
Observance
|
||
Nov 2
|
Thursday
|
National holiday
|
||
Dec 21
|
Thursday
|
Season
|
||
Dec 24
|
Sunday
|
Observance, Christian
|
||
Dec 25
|
Monday
|
National holiday, Christian
|
||
Dec 31
|
Sunday
|
Observance
|
El Salvador is a country full of riches, such as beaches, mountains, volcanoes, parks, forests, and others that are excellent to be visited at any time of the year, both for domestic and foreign tourists; but the increased inflow to these places happens when it is holiday season.
If you have plans of camping or beach for your next holiday you discussed that El Salvador has many beaches to visit, among them are: La Costa del Sol, El Majahual, El Tunco, El Tamarindo, Los Blancos and others in which you can enjoy a nice view, eating rich seafood and even extreme sports as surfing. On the other hand if you want to be close to nature, the best places to camp in El Salvador you will find in the high zone of our country, in the departments of Chalatenango and Morazán.
 |
| Costa del Sol |
 |
| El Tunco |
 |
| El Majahual |
 |
| El Tamarindo |
 |
| Los Blancos |
EASTER VACATION THE HOLIDAY OF EASTER. (Usually in March or April) Salvadorans accustomed to attending various religious celebrations to remember the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus. At this time the national cuisine also makes note to prepare typical dishes like the torrejas, chilate, among others.
 |
| Procession |
 |
| Typical Food |
 |
| Independence Day |
AUGUST HOLIDAYS. In these holidays that are celebrated from 1 to 6 August, also noticed the religious party with acts that are mainly held in San Salvador with “the descent of the divine Savior of the world”, patron of our country. Some also attend the fair use, or fair rides, all this in the capital city of San Salvador.
 |
| Savior of the World |
THE NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAYS. These are usually in the months of November and January, for students. Public employees, the last ten days of the year and the first three the following year. Private employees taken from two to seven days. At this time of the year, Salvadorans tend to visit trade or markets popular resorts, in search of gifts for relatives or clothing to be released on 24 and 31 December. In terms of tourism, it is customary to visit beaches, spas, or national Comando, December 25 and January 1. All these activities are carried out in family.
➼General information of El Salvador: El Salvador Tips.
➼Video: El Salvador, Impressive.
No hay comentarios.:
Publicar un comentario