When I think of El Salvador, I am immediately transported to a world filled with rich culture, delicious cuisine, vibrant landscapes, and incredible people. But for me, El Salvador is more than just a destination—it’s a place deeply connected to who I am today, filled with memories both joyful and even deeply frightening. It has been close to a year since my last visit, and it was probably my most memorable one. It was a first time visit for both my daughters and husband. It was the first Christmas that I can remember that I spent with my grandma and god parents in their homes surrounded by even more family. We also visited my childhood home after my parents moved closer to the capital. It was a trip and experience like no other and that reinforced for me that I am my ancestors’ wildest dreams.
My childhood home in Santa Tecla, El Salvador The Heartbeat of El Salvador: Its Culture and People
El Salvador is a country that beats with a unique rhythm, a blend of indigenous roots, colonial influences, and modern dynamics. The warmth and grit of its people, their passion for life and family, are evident in every corner. I’ll never forget taking a solo walk along the beaches in La Libertad and encountering a fisherman with an inflatable on his back. We struck up a conversation, and he shared that his father taught him to fish as a boy, diving for their catch and selling it at local markets throughout his entire child and now adulthood. He proudly told me how he’d recently saved enough money to build an extra room in his home, which he now rents on Airbnb.
This was just one of many encounters that make El Salvador so special and remind me of where my work ethic comes from.
On his way to work and making a living for his family
Family enjoying the beautiful views of Lago Coatepeque
A Culinary Adventure: Savoring the Flavors of El Salvador
Food in El Salvador is more than just sustenance; it’s a celebration of life, family, and tradition. Every meal is an invitation to share and connect, whether it’s a simple breakfast of pupusas (my husband’s favorite dish) filled with cheese and beans or a lavish feast of mariscada (seafood stew) and don’t get me started on the sweet treats.
My mother, godmother, and grandmother taught me that food is a way to keep our heritage alive, and every dish tells a story of who we are and where we come from. During our visit to my parents’ hometown on Christmas Eve, my daughters got to see firsthand the importance of food in our culture. They joined in on the festivities, helping prepare and enjoyed the nonstop delicacies along the day.
I always pay close attention to my elders’ hands—hands now marked by wrinkles and scars, both internal and external. These hands have worked tirelessly for decades, both in and out of the kitchen. It’s through their labor and love that I have become who I am today, and I am grateful to carry on their legacy.
Tamales in the making.
Personal Memories
It’s hard to describe what it’s like to spend the first six years of your life in fear and have that fear linger even after my family immigrated to Las Vegas. Growing up, I often heard about the violence in El Salvador, with its struggles with gangs, war, and high crime rates. This filled me with a sense of fear, shame, guilt, and sadness and feelings that I continue to process with my therapist today.
But on this trip, I saw something different. I met people who were happy, who felt safe walking in their streets, and who thanked me for returning to visit. They were proud to see a Salvadoreña (me) thriving and invited us back. These conversations were so healing and inspiring—I didn’t realize how much I needed to hear and see that resilience.
Traveling through El Salvador was certainly a journey of rediscovery and renewed inspiration. This connection between past and present was just what I needed then and what gives me the daily momentum to keep showing up today.
Volcanoes of Santa Ana
Embracing the Future: Sharing the Magic of El Salvador
As I continue my journey exploring El Salvador, I am constantly reminded of the importance of preserving and celebrating our heritage. This vibrant country, with its rich culture and delicious cuisine, is a testament to the strength and resilience of its people. I am grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with you, as they have shaped who I am today.
My daughter learning about our history
I invite you to explore El Salvador—whether through travel, food, visiting local restaurants or learning about our stories and history. Ask me about it the next time we meet. I can’t wait to visit again and share even more with you.
I can’t wait to visit again and share with you more!