Gateway El Salvador
On the outskirts...
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El Boqueron-Vulcan Salvador which overlooks the city of San Salvador is comprised of two peaks. Picacho, the higher peak at 6,430 feet lies to the east. Boqueron (Big Mouth) is 6,210 feet high with a 500 foot crater. Once a crater lake, the last eruption in 1917 swallowed the lake, but left behind a second cone that now rises 147 feet. The drive is fairly easy on a paved road and well worth the incredible views of the city.
Panchimalco-This town originally settled by the Toltecs is considered one of the few places left that has retained its ethnic heritage. The women still weave and wear the indigenous clothing from the past and are very proud to show off their handiwork.
The town is known for its religious festivals which include lively folk dancing, parades, and fireworks. Feria de las Flores y Palmas is held in early May and the entire town parades through the streets carrying decorated palm fronds. The Cultural Center has a good exhibit displaying native dance costumes and artwork. Casa Teller Encuentros sells beautiful crafts and artwork.
Picacho
Boqueron
Parque Balboa/The Devils Door-This 70 acre park is 7 miles south of the city. There are numerous trails, a skating rink, playground, and mayan sculptures. Most people bring a picnic, but there are a few stalls that sell papusas and burgers. Two miles beyond the park is Puerta del Diablo (Devils Door). There are many legends surrounding the Devils Door....
In Colonial times the Renderos family owned all the land they could see, but the daughter was tormented by the devil who courted her at every opportunity. One night the father and neighboring families decided to hunt down the devil. They cornered him at the edge of a small lake. Upon seeing his reflection in the water, the devil fled in fear breaking through a rocky crag and fell over the edge. A crevice at the base opened up and swallowed the devil forever banishing him. That night the daughter received a message from Saint Agatha, patron saint of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Saint Agatha told the daughter that every year on that day, she must release 100 doves through the Devil's door. If she failed to do this, the devil would wake bringing earthquakes and eruptions to the land. The daughter married and had many children, but she spent her days raising doves to keep her promise to St. Agatha. Sometimes she did not have enough doves and those were the years when the earth shook and the mountains rumbled.
Saint Agatha
Panchimalco is 10 miles south
of San Salvador.
Photo:
Edgar Romero, for AP
