Just 30 minutes from the capital, Panchimalco is one of the towns with the most colonial and historic heritage in El Salvador.

Its name comes from the Nahuatl meaning “Place of Flags and Emblems” (panti: flag; Chimali: shield; co: in or place).

The pre-Columbian population was a Toltec tribe. During the Spanish conquest this territory was called “The Fort” due to the concave shape of the land that gave fighting advantage to the natives.

As part of the colonial heritage the church of Santa Cruz de Panchimalco is the best example, this temple main was started in 1543 by resident natives, led by the Dominican friars. The work was completed in April 1730.

Today this church is still standing. Its main feature is the facade with a classical Baroque style. The temple measures 40 meters long by 18 meters wide, the inner nave is supported by 16 wooden columns on stone bases that separate the nave from the aisles.

The columns are finished with moldings that collect the weight from the main beams. Inside the altars is Baroque style as well, and the walls of the church support them.

The main altar is the only one that retains the original gold finish. Also if you look closely you will see the image of the Holy Cross of Rome dating back to 1792.

This town has a colorful and spectacular day named “Flowers and Palms day” every first Sunday in May. This takes place in honor of the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception and El Rosario, where locals stage a unique and ancient tradition that involves a procession with people carrying palms adorned with flowers. In addition, every September 14th, there are festivities in honor of the Holy Cross of Rome.

If you walk through Panchimalco’s cobbled streets, you will feel encouraged to visit that the Art and Culture Center “Tonatiuh” and the House of Culture. Both institutions have workshops for children, youth and adults to help them enter the world of art by making handcrafts and also by learning the native language Nahuatl.

You will also find promotional items, crafts and books at minimum prices seeking to fund these institutions.

In Panchimalco there is also Casa Taller “Encounters”, located just across from Casa de la Cultura.  A space dedicated to art and surrounded by nature and incredible panoramic views.

Panchimalco is impressive. Come and meet the native identity of El Salvador without going too far from the capital.

How to get there:

If driving by car, take the road that leads to Planes de Renderos. At the crossroads take left to Panchimalco located 14 kilometers driving down from los Planes. The road is well marked.

Bus routes leading to Panchimalco are 17, 17-A and 17-B bound to Panchimalco and Rosario de Mora. You can board them at the Central Market on downtown San Salvador. Ticket costs: US$ 0.25 to US$ 0.35.

More

http://www.alcaldiadepanchimalco.org/

Santa Cruz Parish Telephone Rome: (503) 2299-4167

• The House of Culture offers free workshops *:

• Waist loom course: Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• Folk Dance: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

• Theater: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (Duration 3 months)

• Creation of paper face masks: Tuesday and Thursday 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

* The availability of the workshops is subject to change.

Telephone House of Culture in Panchimalco: (503) 2280-8767

• Art & Culture Center “Tonatiuh”

Nahuatl classes: FREE every Friday and Sunday of the year.

Satellite Location

Elevation 1983 feet

N 13 ° 36,643 ‘

W 089 ° 10,761 ‘

Photogallery

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