Annual Cultural Traditions

More than just a colonial town with great beauty and architecture, Suchitoto is home to a wide variety of artistic and cultural expressions. In addition to hosting indivual events throughout the year, we also celebrate many annual festivals and traditions. See below for a complete list of our annual events and come participate in them with us.

Check the events section to see a list of upcoming daily events in Suchitoto.

Así es mi Tierra Artisan Market - Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays
Each weekend the Artistan Market allows you to discover the rich variety of crafts that are produced in El Salvador, including hammocks, jewelry, ornaments, clothing and fabrics, pottery, wines, and much more.

Guazapa Mountain Festival - January 12
This festival honors the signing of the Peace Accords that ended the Civil War with excursions up to GuazapaVolcano, historical films, and a great fiesta with live music, dancing and fireworks.

Permanent International Festival of Art and Culture - Weekends in February
Artists from more that 30 countries have participated in this festival that celebrates the many expressions of the fine arts. Presentations of music, opera, theater, and film by renowned national and international artists make Februrary a truly special time to visit Suchitoto.

Holy Week - The week before Easter
Discover the Easter tradtions of Suchitoto during this week, including the solemn Palm Sunday Procession, the Procession of Silence, the Stations of the Cross Procession, and the creation of special mosaic carpets throughout the city.

Day of the Cross - May 3
In this annual religious celebration, Suchitotoans all throughout the city adorn their houses with crosses laiden with flowers, fruit, and sweets.

Anniversary of the City of Suchitoto - July 15
Suchitoto was officially named a city on July 15, 1858. To celebrate the birth of our beautiful Suchitoto, we host a great festival each year with many events, and we invite you to participate in this important celebration with us.

Festival of Corn: Giving Thanks for the Harvest - August
Celebrate with us the beginning of the harvest of corn, the most important food in the lives and history of Salvadorans. Activities include a religious procession, a special mass in the church, food stands that sell a wide variety of foods and drinks made from corn, and the presentation of the Kings and Queens of Corn, who adorn themselves in outfits made with corn.

Parade of Torches and Costumes - September 14
To innaugurate the celebrations of Independence Day, each year the students from the Instituto Nacional de Suchitoto present a fantastic nighttime parade with music, dance, and costumed representations of traditions and legends of Suchitoto and El Salvador. You don´t want to miss this cultural event!

Independence Day Parade - September 15
Enjoy the day´s lively atmosphere in Suchitoto with parades, bands, and other presentations as we celebrate El Salvador´s Independence Day.

Festival of School Bands - October
Discover the musical talents of the youth of Suchitoto in this annual competition of school bands. Musicians, dancers, and more will entertain you all day in the Plaza Central.

Halloween - October 31
Enjoy this American holiday with a lively party in the Villa Balanza restaurant. Appropriately, this annual fiesta includes music, costumes, and all things that bring fear.

Day of the Dead - November 2
We invite you to join us as we honor and remember our deceased family members in Suchitoto´s cemetery, decorating the tombs according to our tradition.

El Feriado - First week of November
We mark the month before the beginning of the Patron Saint Festivals by hosting a festival with ferris wheels and other rides, music, and stands that sell food, souveniers, and Salvadoran sweets. Join us for the fun!

National Pupusa Day - Second Sunday of November
The pupusa is the food most associated with El Salvador and on this day we celebrate its role in the daily life of our country. Join us for the activities, and eat all the pupusas that you can!

Festival of Paper Globes - November
In this annual event that his sponsored by the Casa de la Cultura, beautiful large globes of chinese paper are made and launched into sky with the use of hot air, creating a beautiful spectacle in the Plaza Central.

Patron Saint Festivals - December 6-13
Join us to honor our Suchitoto´s patron saint, the Virgin of Saint Lucy, with a week full of fiestas, music, dances, fireworks, a beauty contest to crown the Queen of Suchitoto, parades, processions and more. You don´t want to miss the Patron Saint Festivals of Suchitoto!

Manger Scene Competition - December
In this Christmas tradition presented by the Casa de la Cultura, participants are invited to create elaborate and artistic manger scenes throughout the city.