Life in El Salvador
The 12th Jocote Baron Rojo Festival in San Lorenzo, Ahuachapan, Is Set for Sunday, March 30
SAN LORENZO, El Salvador — Thousands of visitors are expected to gather in the San Lorenzo district on Sunday, March 30, for the 12th annual Jocote Barón Rojo Festival, a celebration of the region’s renowned fruit. Organized by the Ahuachapán … Read more
Terrorism Confinement Center CECOT: El Salvador’s Mega-Prison Housing Thousands of Gang Members
El Salvador’s Mega-Prison, or the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), is one of the world’s largest high-security facilities, designed to house over 40,000 inmates, primarily gang members, under strict surveillance and extreme security measures. Built under President Nayib Bukele’s administration, CECOT … Read more
IDHUCA: El Salvador Has the World’s Highest Incarceration Rate
SAN SALVADOR — El Salvador has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with nearly 2% of its population behind bars, according to a report presented Wednesday by the Human Rights Institute of the Central American University (IDHUCA) and other … Read more
Relatives of People Detained During the State of Exception Call for Their Release
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — Hundreds of relatives of people detained under El Salvador’s State of Exception marched Thursday to demand the release of their loved ones and the repeal of the emergency measure, which marks its third anniversary. Demonstrators … Read more
Salvadoran Navy Seizes 1.3 Tons of Cocaine in High-Seas Operation
LA PAZ, El Salvador — The Salvadoran Navy seized 1.3 tons of cocaine valued at approximately $32.5 million from three vessels in a maritime operation off the Salvadoran coast, officials said Wednesday. The seizure occurred on March 26, about 507 … Read more
El Salvador State of Exception: A Security Measure Implemented to Fight Gangs
El Salvador State of Exception is a harsh security measure that suspends certain constitutional rights to combat gang violence. It grants authorities expanded powers for arrests and prolonged detentions without immediate judicial oversight. The measure began in late March 2022 … Read more
Legislative Assembly Approves $113.9M Loan for Surf City Infrastructure Development
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – March 25, 2025 — In a move set to propel the country’s coastal tourism and infrastructure growth, the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly today ratified a loan agreement with the Central American Integration Bank (CABEI) for $113.9 … Read more
Nayib Bukele’s Territorial Control Plan: A Game Changer for security in El Salvador
For decades, El Salvador faced gang violence, with MS-13 and Barrio 18 terrorizing communities. High murder rates, extortion, and insecurity were expected—it forced many citizens to flee the country. To deal with the gang problem, Nayib Bukele launched the Territorial … Read more
Cardedeu Hotel Centro Histórico: Luxury Hotel Opens in San Salvador’s Historic Center
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — A new luxury hotel has opened in the heart of El Salvador’s capital, offering high-end accommodations and a unique historical experience. The Cardedeu Hotel Centro Histórico, an investment of approximately $6 million, officially opened its … Read more