Every year, Salvadorans eagerly await the harvest of one of the country’s most unique fruits: the jocote corona. Sweet, tangy, and crowned with its distinctive shape, this small fruit inspires not just dishes but entire celebrations.
In 2025, the Jocote Corona Fair returns to the Cerro Verde National Park, promising two days filled with food, culture, music, and breathtaking views.
A Festival for All the Senses
The Salvadoran Tourism Institute (ISTU) has confirmed that the Jocote festival will be held on October 4 and 5, 2025, with activities running from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Admission costs just $2 per person (children one year and older included), with tickets available exclusively through Smart Ticket.
Set against the backdrop of Cerro Verde’s 2,000-meter altitude, visitors will enjoy cool mountain weather and panoramic views of the Izalco Volcano, Ilamatepec, and Lake Coatepeque.
It’s more than a fair—it’s an escape into nature wrapped in the festive spirit of Salvadoran tradition.
Gastronomy Centered on Jocote Corona
The heart of the festival is the jocote corona itself. Visitors can taste it freshly harvested from farms such as Finca Vista Hermosa and Finca San Jorge, which together produce tens of thousands of jocotes daily during peak season.
But the creativity doesn’t stop at the fruit’s natural form—culinary artisans transform it into atoles, sorbets, pupusas, wines, juices, pizzas, desserts, and even gourmet sauces.
Every bite highlights the fruit’s versatility and cultural importance. Whether you’re sipping a cold jocote drink, enjoying a pupusa with jocote filling, or tasting an artisan ice cream, you’ll experience flavors that tie tradition to innovation.
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Crafts, Culture, and Commerce
Beyond food, the fair celebrates Salvadoran craftsmanship. Stalls will showcase handmade jewelry, clothing, handbags, shoes, and natural cosmetics, many of which incorporate jocote seeds and other local materials.
It’s a chance to support artisans and small entrepreneurs while taking home a piece of Salvadoran identity.
On stage, national musicians and cultural performers will keep the atmosphere lively throughout the weekend, ensuring the event is not only about taste but also about rhythm, dance, and shared joy.
Hiking and Natural Exploration
For nature lovers, ISTU will offer guided hikes through Cerro Verde’s trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the park’s biodiversity while enjoying spectacular vistas of surrounding volcanoes and forests.
It adds an extra dimension that transforms the fair into both a cultural and eco-tourism experience.
Tradition Meets Economic Impact
While it is a celebration of flavor and heritage, the Jocote Corona Fair also plays a vital role in strengthening the local economy.
According to ISTU, each edition generates temporary jobs, promotes agrotourism, and gives dozens of micro-entrepreneurs a platform to expand their reach.
By connecting farmers and artisans directly with visitors, the fair fosters sustainable growth within rural communities.
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Plan Your Visit
If you’re planning to attend, here’s what you need to know:
- Dates: October 4–5, 2025
- Location: Cerro Verde National Park
- Hours: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Admission: $2 per person (from one year old and up)
- Tickets: Available on Smart Ticket
- Tips: Bring a light sweater, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, water, and cash for food and crafts.
A Celebration Not to Be Missed
The 2025 Jocote Corona Fair is more than an event—it’s a cultural statement. By celebrating a fruit that grows on the volcanic slopes of western El Salvador, the fair preserves traditions, uplifts communities, and gives visitors a taste of something uniquely Salvadoran.
Mark your calendar, secure your ticket, and prepare to experience the fusion of gastronomy, culture, and nature that makes the Jocote Corona Fair one of El Salvador’s most anticipated festivals of the year.
