Culture and Customs of El Salvador

Arts, Crafts, and Architecture

Arts

Crafts

Architecture

Museums

Customs and Traditions

Local Traditions

Etiquette

Dress and Behavior

Sensitive or Taboo Topics

Languages

Spanish is the official language and is spoken by the entire population. Some local dialects are also practiced by the small indigenous minority. As for foreign languages, English is by far the most common, not least because many Salvadorans have lived in the United States at some point in their lives. However, almost no one speaks French in the country.

Glossary

A few local words and expressions useful to know while traveling:

Festivals and Celebrations

Public Holidays

January 1: New Year's Day.

January 16: Signing of the Peace Accords.

March 8: Women's Day.

Easter.

May 1: Labor Day.

May 3: Feast of the Cross.

May 10: Mother's Day.

June 17: Father's Day.

June 22: Teacher's Day.

August 4, 5, and 6: August Festivals.

September 15: Independence Day.

October 1: National Children's Day.

October 12: Day of the Race.

November 2: All Saints' Day.

December 25: Christmas.