#San Salvador Historic Downtown

[northameicanblog]

Historic Center, San Salvador, El Salvador: The San Salvador historic downtown includes the area where the capital city of El Salvador has been located since the 16th century. This district has long been the country's political, economic and religious center. The history of San Salvador began here in the mid-16th century. Wikipedia

[everydayhybridity]

Article from The Conversation on our Chicano Park research.

Urban wellbeing is increasingly tied to what urban planners term “green” and “blue” spaces: the parks and waterfronts that our towns and cities may include. Residents are also encouraged to leave the city altogether, to seek out the healthy calm of forest bathing, fell running or cold water swimming. 

The potential of play within the urban environment, however, is often overlooked.

Skateboarders have long been invested in what I call “grey” space: the overlooked corners, edges and surfaces of the built environment. Skateboard magazines and videos routinely explore the social and architectural histories of sets of stairs and stone benches. 

These spots, largely invisible to the general public, are richly symbolic. In seeing them as ramps and launchpads, skaters transform unremarkable bits of the city into ritual places of magic and wonder.

Recent research conducted with my colleague, Andrea Buchetti, shows that skateparks are sites of unstructured play and community, as well as remembrance and ritual. Otherwise banal and polluted locations are afforded layers of meaning and depth.

Skatepark memorialisation

The Chicano Park skatepark in San Diego is nestled below the imposing, blocky concrete columns of the on-ramps for the city’s Coronado bridge. 

Built in 2015, the skatepark features four vibrant murals (by artists including Ricardo Islas) that draw on both the indigenous heritage of this ancient northern Mexican region and skateboard iconography. In memory of lost friends, local skateboarders build shrines at the foot of the paintings using broken skateboards, rocks, cacti and cut flowers. 

The five-lane highway bridge above it stands 61 metres tall, allowing safe passage for ships bound to the nearby naval base. Completed in 1969, it links downtown San Diego with the smaller city of Coronado across San Diego Bay. 

The space beneath the bridge has long been contested. When built, its route divided a longstanding Mexican American neighbourhood, Barrio Logan, that had already been disrupted by the construction of the Interstate 5 in 1963. Over 5,000 homes and businesses were destroyed in the process.

The state had promised the community a park by way of compensation. But on April 22 1970, Mario Solis, a local student, noticed bulldozers where the park should be, and found out the city was, in fact, constructing a highway patrol base there.

At Solis’s urging, more than 250 residents gathered with shovels and pickaxes to reclaim the land. They planted cacti and trees to create a communal park. After three months of protest, the city conceded to work with the community, and Chicano Park was officially established.

Local artist Salvador Torres was one of the people who lost their homes. In 1973, he galvanised the community into painting murals on the imposing chunks of concrete built in their stead. It was a form of creative resistance. The motifs referenced the cultural heritage of this ancient northern Mexican region, from Aztec symbolism to indigenous plants and beasts, and also Mexico’s colonial experience and revolutionary struggles. 

The park is now a protected historic space and landmark. People gather there for annual celebrations on April 22.

Skateboarding as culture and community

Research has long shown the connection between sport and religion. Fans make pilgrimages to stadiums and worship athletes like gods. 

Just as a football fan might worship at Wembley stadium in London, a specific neighbourhood curb might hold great significance because of a connection to a famous skater or a historic event. I have shown how skateboarding functions as a lifestyle religion. In the way they observe, perform and organise their communal activity, skateboarders derive spiritual expression and identity from both the physical act of skateboarding and the places in which it is conducted.

Some skateparks have dedicated plaques and permanent memorials designed into skateable features. When legendary San Francisco skateboarder and chief-editor of Thrasher magazine, Jake Phelps, died in 2019, a sculptor in Los Angeles made a concrete tombstone feature to install in the Lower Bob’s DIY skatepark in Oakland. He mixed some used dental floss Phelps had left behind into the concrete. “We don’t got his cremated body,” the artist told Thrasher, “but we got pretty much all the DNA we’re gonna need.” 

London’s Skateboard Graveyard on one of the supports of Hungerford Bridge, on the South Bank, is another salient example. For years now, old boards have been thrown down from the Golden Jubilee footbridge in memory of Timothy Baxter, one of two skaters who were attacked and thrown into the river Thames in 1999. 

Baxter died as a result and the juvenile attackers were convicted of manslaughter. Many of the skateboarders who take part in the ritual might not know that this is how it began, yet they persist in offering their broken boards to the site.

RIP epitaphs

In 2023, the skatepark in Sacramento’s Regency Park was renamed in honour of Tyre Nichols, a skateboarder who was beaten to death by police officers in Memphis, Tennessee.

Australian graphic design expert Dan Johnston has identified RIP epitaphs as one of the most common types of skateboarding-related graffiti. He cites messages he has noted on the steel ramps and concrete bumps of skater desinations in Singapore, Paris and south Australia – RIPs and Miss Us scrawled in white correction fluid, marker pen or spray paint. 

Despite skateboarding’s recent ascent to Olympic status, for many skateboarders it is more a culture – or even a cult – than a sport. It brings diverse people together for unsanctioned play, recasting obstacles – an impassable buckled road in Wiltshire, say – as toys and tools.

In their provocative curves and surfaces, skateparks embody this creativity. They mimic the city beyond, showing how the built environment cannot just be conceived of as a framework for economic activity. Grey space – and grey times – can be transformed if communities, and the DIY cultures they give birth to, are allowed to flourish in the city.

[roomchailimited]

San Salvador’s Historical Sites: El Salvador’s Cultural Heart

San Salvador, El Salvador’s bustling capital, is a city steeped in history and culture. From the ruins of ancient civilizations to the architectural gems from the Spanish colonial era, this city offers a vibrant journey through El Salvador’s past. For those interested in diving into Central America’s rich historical tapestry, here’s a guide to discovering San Salvador’s must-see historical sites.

The Heart of San Salvador: Plaza Libertad and Surrounding Area

The Plaza Libertad, or Liberty Plaza, serves as a focal point for San Salvador’s downtown. Originally built in honor of El Salvador’s independence from Spain, the plaza is a perfect starting point for exploring the city’s heritage.

Monumento a los Próceres de 1811: A monument dedicated to the independence heroes of 1811.

Catedral Metropolitana de San Salvador: Just a short walk away, this grand cathedral is a masterpiece of architecture, with colorful murals and striking stained glass windows. It's the final resting place of Monsignor Oscar Romero, a beloved figure and martyr for peace.

Local Tip: Take a stroll around the plaza to see local vendors selling traditional crafts, foods, and souvenirs.

Iglesia El Rosario: A Unique Spiritual Landmark

One of the most iconic landmarks in San Salvador is Iglesia El Rosario. Unlike traditional churches, this modern masterpiece features an industrial-style architecture with a rainbow of colored glass that fills the interior with light.

Architectural Highlights: The church's unique arches and minimalist interior design are unlike anything else in Central America.

Historical Significance: Built in the 1970s, this church played a role in the country’s history as a place of refuge during times of unrest.

Local Tip: Visit in the afternoon to see the sunlight streaming through the colored glass for a breathtaking visual effect.

Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site: El Salvador’s “Pompeii”

Just outside the city, Joya de Cerén offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient Mayan civilization. This UNESCO World Heritage site, often called the "Pompeii of the Americas," was preserved by volcanic ash, revealing remarkable details about daily life in a pre-Hispanic farming community.

Highlights: Excavated structures include homes, storage areas, and communal spaces, all incredibly well-preserved.

Exhibits: Artifacts such as pottery and tools provide a deep insight into Mayan culture.

Local Tip: Visit the small museum on-site to gain a better understanding of the daily life and practices of this ancient civilization.

National Palace: A Peek into El Salvador’s Political Past

The Palacio Nacional (National Palace) stands as a reminder of El Salvador's political history and the grandeur of 19th-century architecture. This stunning white building with its Neoclassical design houses four main halls, each with unique color themes and lavish decor.

Room Highlights: Tour the Red Hall, where El Salvador’s National Congress once met, and the Blue Hall, which showcases beautiful stained glass and ornate furnishings.

Historical Insight: The palace once served as the center of government but is now open to visitors for historical tours.

Local Tip: Make sure to check the hours before you go, as the palace is occasionally closed for government events.

Museo Nacional de Antropología (MUNA): A Journey Through El Salvador’s History

For those looking to dive deeper into El Salvador’s rich history, a visit to the Museo Nacional de Antropología (MUNA) is a must. Located in a beautiful building surrounded by gardens, this museum houses extensive exhibits on the country’s history, culture, and indigenous heritage.

Exhibits: Collections span from ancient artifacts of the Mayan and Pipil cultures to the colonial period and recent history.

Interactive Displays: The museum offers displays that bring historical events and figures to life, with a section dedicated to the influence of Oscar Romero.

Local Tip: Check if the museum is hosting any temporary exhibits or events that coincide with your visit.

Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo: An Icon of San Salvador

Standing proudly at Plaza Salvador del Mundo, the Monumento al Divino Salvador del Mundo is one of the most iconic symbols of El Salvador. Dedicated to the Savior of the World, this monument reflects the country’s deep spiritual roots and national pride.

Photo Opportunity: This towering statue, set against the cityscape, is a popular spot for photographs and city views.

Cultural Significance: A beloved symbol for Salvadorans, this monument is the focal point for many celebrations and ceremonies throughout the year.

Local Tip: The best time to visit is in the evening when the monument is lit up, making for a great photo opportunity.

The Ruins of San Andrés

Another archaeological wonder near San Salvador, the San Andrés Ruins date back to the Classic Maya period. This ceremonial site, featuring pyramids, plazas, and living quarters, is part of a larger historical complex that offers a window into the life of the Maya elite.

Main Attractions: The Acropolis, ceremonial spaces, and museum housing artifacts from the site.

Learning Opportunities: Informational signs and guides provide insights into the site’s history and importance in the region.

Local Tip: A guided tour can greatly enhance the experience by providing a deeper understanding of the Mayan civilization.

Concluding Your Journey Through San Salvador

San Salvador is a city that proudly embraces its complex history, from ancient Mayan culture to colonial influences and recent political developments. For travelers keen to explore, companies like Roomchai Limited can help arrange guided tours that delve into the rich tapestry of El Salvador’s past, offering insights and access to some of the country’s most treasured sites.

With its mix of cultural landmarks, archaeological sites, and modern history, San Salvador is a gateway to El Salvador’s vibrant heritage—inviting travelers to immerse themselves in the stories and landmarks that have shaped this dynamic city.

[wise-journey]

Rediscovering Usulután

Welcome to the serene paradise of Usulután, El Salvador. Nestled amidst the verdant expanses and towered over by the noble mountain ranges, this city is an unexplored tapestry of wonder and excitement. This revitalized guide will illuminate the city's vibrant culture, tempting food delights, exciting diversions, and more. So, gather your spirit of adventure and embark on an unforgettable journey in Usulután!

Best Times to Visit

Enjoy the city's beauty to the fullest from November to April, during the dry season. The weather during this period is delectable with balmy days and cool evenings, providing the perfect ambiance for festivities and cultural performances.

How to Reach

The most convenient access point to Usulután is the Comalapa International Airport in San Salvador. From there, a couple of hours' drive or a picturesque bus ride will land you in the heart of Usulután.

Where to Lodge

From cozy inns and exclusive hotels to eco-friendly resorts and comfortable homestays, Usulután offers a wide array of accommodation options. A stay in the vivid downtown will place the city's attractions and lively street life at your fingertips.

Experiencing the Culture

Dive into the rich cultural heritage of Usulután through its vibrant festivals, art exhibitions, and historic landmarks. The city's pulse can be felt in the Central Park, a site for lively discussions, performances, and appreciation of colonial architectural beauty.

Gastronomic Exploration

Usulután is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Indulging in delightful street food is an absolute must-do. Try the traditional pupusas, a treat of corn tortillas filled with cheese, beans, or meat. Visit local markets to try exotic fruits and other Salvadoran delicacies.

Action-Packed Activities

Usulután is an adrenaline-lover's haven, offering a range of outdoor adventures. Hiking to the stunning El Jocotal Nature Reserve and zip-lining through El Imposible National Park's lush canopy are must-dos.

Sightseeing and Tours

Explore the colonial charm of the San Agustín Church and soak in the sun at the stunning Pacific coast beaches like Costa Azul and El Espino. To witness a unique marine ecosystem, a boat tour to the volcanic archipelago of Isla Meanguera is highly recommended.

Usulután After Sunset

As the day says adieu, Usulután wakes up to an energetic nightlife. Local bars and clubs pulsate with the vibrant rhythms of salsa, reggaeton, and cumbia. Savor the national beer, relish scrumptious cocktails, and bask in the joy of dance with the friendly locals.

Getting Around

The city's extensive network of buses and taxis makes navigating Usulután a breeze. For an authentic experience, consider a ride in the colorful chicken bus, a favorite mode of transport among locals.

Shopping

For shopaholics, Usulután's vibrant markets and quaint boutiques are a haven. In the local craft markets, discover unique handmade souvenirs, traditional textiles, pottery, and beautifully woven baskets. The multifaceted city of Usulután has much more to offer than what meets the eye. Its vibrant culture, enchanting gastronomic scene, and thrilling recreational options ensure every moment is filled with opportunities to create beautiful memories. Pack your bags and let the adventure begin! Read the full article