The village lies in the Pacific coastal range on the southern side of San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. The location of the village has been important since pre-Colombian times. During the Colombian rule there was a famous church built in 1725 and has been classified a national historical monument and attracts huge numbers of tourists. The Colonial Church of Panchimalco is the centre of activities in the village.
The church is an excellent example of colonial architecture.
The village’s name in the Nahuat language means “sites of flags and shields”. The village site is located in a picturesque geological depression and archaeological finds indicate it’s importance to the area during pre-Colombian times.
Panchimalco Indian Village is a small town in El Salvador. Its inhabitants are mostly Pipil Indians. It is regarded as the holy village as Easter is celebrated in a grand way in this village.
A unique blend of native and Catholic beliefs has created an interesting culture. Also the culture of the village has touched by Arabian culture too.
This town hosts a number of folk festivals and the Palms procession in May when the town’s people prepare huge palms filled with frangipane flowers. The women of Panchimalco decorate coconut palm fronds for the towns annual Dia de las Flores procession.
Each year the village celebrates its two patronesses, The Virgin of the Rosary and the Virgin of the Conception, just as the region welcomes its long lush rainy season. The Blessed Virgin in both her manifestations can be saluted and adorned with local springtime flowers.
Customarily the fronds wave over the statues of the patron saint like the plumage of supernatural birds.
La capitana, a leading woman in the village, takes charge of the Virgin of the Conception statue, with a holy vigil through the night. At 4am the music begins and both groups meet before the church, winding through the streets and returning for a special mass.
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I always love everything Indian and seeking their historical place, and thanks for sharing this place. And I’m wondering how’s it like the blending between catholic and native. it would be much attracting
It is amazing how they blend both of their cultures and how they keep their own seperated out from being absorbed into the other.