Celebrating a Bright Cultural Heritage of El Salvador.
The Day of the Lanterns, or El Día de los Farolitos in Ahuachapan, is a Salvadoran tradition celebrated yearly on September 7th. On this evening, the streets of districts in Ahuachapan come alive with thousands of bright lanterns, creating a magical and festive atmosphere.
The lanterns are placed along streets, parks, stores, and the town’s central plaza; they create a spectacular candlelight display.
This unique celebration is a blend of religious devotion, cultural heritage, and artistic expression and has become one of the most anticipated events in the region.
People of Ahuachapan prepare for weeks for this event; they craft intricate lanterns from paper, wood, and other materials. These lanterns come in various shapes and sizes, from simple designs to elaborate creations that reflect the creativity and artistry of their creators.
Ahuachapan is the primary city recommended to experience this festival; however, other small towns along the Flowers Route, such as Ataco, Apaneca, and Tacuba, celebrate El Día de los Farolitos on September 7th as well with their unique celebratory approach.
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Origin of the Día de los Farolitos.
The origin of this tradition is uncertain, but two main views attempt to explain how the festivity began. One theory attributes it to the area’s strong religious roots, while the other suggests it started due to a natural phenomenon that led locals to use candles.
Religious Roots.
Many believe the tradition originated in 1893, when an image of the Virgin Mary, also known as the Virgin of Mercy, was brought from Guatemala.
The faithful Jesús de Eguizábal was in charge of the relic, and that same year, he placed lanterns on it with a meaning of faith symbolizing the Birth of the Virgin Mary.
Natural Phenomenon.
It is said that around 1850, an earthquake struck the municipality of Ahuachapan. The magnitude of the earthquake was such that it forced the inhabitants to sleep in the streets, illuminated only by candles.
In response to the earthquake, the residents prayed to the Virgin Mary for protection and vowed to honor her every September 7th in gratitude for her safeguarding them.
Due to its relevance, perseverance, and originality in maintaining the tradition in 2014, the Deputies of the Legislative Assembly declared El Día de los Farolitos as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of El Salvador.
The Day of the Lanterns, El Día de los Farolitos, is more than just a visual extravaganza; it celebrates community, faith, and Salvadoran tradition. This is a must-see cultural event for anyone visiting Ahuachapan or El Salvador in early September.
It is also important to note that different tour operators in El Salvador offer trips to these Ahuachapan towns for the Day of the Lanterns festivities.
