-
First Lady Gabriela de Bukele Launches New National School of Music on Musician’s Day.
In celebration of Musician’s Day, First Lady Gabriela de Bukele announced the inauguration of El Salvador’s new National School of Music, aimed at elevating the quality of artistic education in the country.
“This day marks a new beginning for artistic education in our country with the launch of the National School of Music. This school is the first step in a transformative process to strengthen the Ministry of Culture’s artistic training institutions, enhancing the quality of teaching and expanding accessibility,” said the First Lady during the announcement.
The initiative includes a strategic and measurable plan for students, as well as collective ensembles designed to promote orchestral and choral practice. “This change is just the beginning,” she emphasized.
First Lady de Bukele also revealed plans to extend this transformation to the National Arts Center, enhancing its theater, visual arts, and dance schools. The focus will prioritize early childhood development, aiming to provide children and youth with art as a tool for holistic growth.
“Our commitment is to bring this transformation to the National Arts Center, strengthening the schools of theater and visual arts, along with the National Dance School, with special attention to early childhood, so our children and young people can find in art a path to integral development,” she stated.
During President Nayib Bukele’s first term, efforts included restoring cultural heritage, expanding access to cultural spaces, and fostering cultural identity through early childhood initiatives like the Árbol de Vida literary collection, as well as establishing the National Ballet and the Banda El Salvador.
This announcement signals a continued dedication to cultural advancement in El Salvador, ensuring the arts remain a vital part of national development.
-
El Salvador Anticipates 300,000 Tourists During Holiday Season.
El Salvador’s Minister of Tourism, Morena Valdez, has announced a projection of 300,000 tourists visiting the country between November and December, contributing to a total of 3.8 million visitors for 2024. This influx is expected to generate between $3 billion and $3.6 billion in foreign currency revenues.
“Our projections indicate that in November and December alone, we will welcome over 300,000 visitors at our airport and borders,” said Valdez. On average, each tourist spends between $106 and $120 per day, she added.
The government’s strategy extends beyond traditional tourism sectors such as accommodation, food, transportation, and recreation. It also aims to boost other industries like handicrafts and construction, the latter driven by increased investments in tourism infrastructure.
Popular destinations for international visitors include the historic center of San Salvador and the beaches of La Libertad, especially with the addition of a new tourist pier at the Port of La Libertad. Valdez encouraged tourists to explore the many options available across the country.
“La Libertad’s coastal region remains the most visited by international travelers, followed by the historic center, which will host Christmas celebrations starting December 1,” she said.
Most visitors come from the United States, Canada, Guatemala, and Honduras, with growing interest from South America and Europe. Minister Valdez identified expanding into these markets as a key goal for 2025.
Easter and the holiday season are traditionally the most lucrative times for tourism in El Salvador, underscoring the sector’s critical role in the nation’s economy.
-
Celebrating Art and Coffee: A Night to Remember.
Last Night, the Art and Coffee shines a spotlight on the richness of El Salvador’s coffee culture and its vibrant local talent. The event, dedicated to promoting the internal consumption of the country’s prized golden grain, transformed into a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship.
#CaféDeElSalvador took center stage, offering more than just a drink. Visitors were treated to an impressive display of Salvadoran art, including paintings, jewelry, accessories, and unique creations inspired by the art of coffee growing. The event served as a bridge between tradition and innovation, with coffee growers, industry representatives, entrepreneurs, and coffee lovers coming together to share their passion.
Attendees had the chance to explore new technologies in the coffee sector and discover fresh products emerging on the national market, further cementing the significance of El Salvador’s coffee industry both locally and internationally.
The Night of Art and Coffee was a celebration not only of the country’s beloved coffee but also of its talented artisans, creating a truly unforgettable experience for all who attended.
-
Presidential Family Joins Celebration of Carlos Argüello’s Legacy at Creator of Dreams Book Launch.
Today, @BINAES is proud to present the highly anticipated autobiography Carlos Argüello: Creator of Dreams, celebrating the extraordinary life and work of Carlos Argüello, a true pioneer in digital effects and animation.
Argüello, renowned for his groundbreaking contributions to NASA’s satellite animations and his work on major Hollywood films such as Armageddon and The Chronicles of Narnia, is hailed as a genius who reshaped the world of visual effects. His innovative techniques and creative vision helped define a new era in film and technology.
The event was attended by President @nayibbukele and First Lady Gabriela de Bukele, who joined in honoring the artistic achievements of this Central American icon. Their participation underscores the importance of recognizing the talent and creativity emerging from the region.
Carlos Argüello’s autobiography not only celebrates his remarkable career but also highlights the significant role of Central America in shaping global innovation and the arts. It serves as a powerful reminder of the immense potential of the region’s talent on the world stage.
-
El Salvador Becomes 13th World Surfing Reserve.
El Salvador’s coastline has long been a haven for surfers, with its warm waters, miles of south-facing shoreline, and a variety of breaks, from points to reef and beach breaks. Recently, the country has seen a surge in surfing tourism, largely driven by the government’s “Surf City” initiative, which highlights Punta Roca and hosts major international ISA and CT events. Now, El Salvador is making waves globally once again with the designation of Oriente Salvaje, also known as the «East Coast,» as the world’s 13th World Surfing Reserve.
This area, home to over a dozen waves within 12 miles of coastline, is known for its world-class point breaks such as Las Flores and Punta Mango, as well as numerous lesser-known breaks. The reserve’s designation is part of an ongoing effort to protect this unique region. «This is the beginning of a collaborative partnership to ensure Oriente Salvaje’s waves and precious coastline remain intact,» said Rodrigo Barraza, President of ADETCO and co-owner of Las Flores Resort. «The community and the Local Stewardship Council are committed to creating opportunities for conservation and sustainable development.»
The World Surfing Reserves program, managed by the California-based Save The Waves Coalition, thrives on local collaboration. For years, organizations like ADETCO, Sociedad Salvaje Salvadoreña, and Paso Pacifico have led conservation efforts and set sustainability standards in the region. Their collective work was instrumental in nominating Oriente Salvaje as a World Surfing Reserve.
Sarah Otterstrom, Executive Director of Paso Pacifico, emphasized the ecological significance of the area, noting that «mature and secondary forests bordering biodiverse and wave-forming rocky reefs» provide critical habitats for endangered species such as hawksbill sea turtles, Salvadorean spider monkeys, and Pacific mahogany trees. «The vision set forth through the World Surfing Reserve designation will support its sustainable management into the future,» she added.
As El Salvador prepares to host “Surf City 2” in this pristine area, the country’s commitment to protecting its natural treasures while supporting sustainable surf tourism continues to grow.
https://www.surfline.com/surf-news/el-salvador-sees-newest-world-surfing-reserve/212999
-
Project Agustine: A Collaborative Effort to Strengthen Education and Promote Peace.
The European Union (EU), in partnership with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology (MINEDUCYT), has launched Project Agustine: Support for Violence Prevention in El Salvador. This four-year initiative, implemented with Expertise France, UNESCO, and UNICEF, aims to prevent violence and promote the inclusion of adolescents and youth through education.
With a €17.7 million investment from the EU and €1 million in co-financing from partners, the project focuses on strengthening El Salvador’s education system. Key actions include expanding educational programs with conflict resolution skills, promoting psychological well-being, fostering equality, and enhancing opportunities for productive skill development.
Building on EU support since 2018, this initiative aligns with the Mi Nueva Escuela framework and addresses social challenges intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The project honors Agustine Charvin, a 19th-century French educator who championed women’s access to education in El Salvador. Project Agustine underscores the EU’s commitment to fostering a safer and more equitable society, providing Salvadoran youth with tools for a brighter future.
-
Legends at The Pier Restauran Opens Its Doors This Friday at Puerto de La Libertad.
A new culinary hotspot is set to make waves in El Salvador as Legends at The Pier opens its doors this Friday, November 22, at the recently inaugurated tourist dock in Puerto de La Libertad. The American-owned restaurant brand brings a unique blend of Hawaiian, American, and Central American flavors, accompanied by a curated selection of craft cocktails.
Strategically located at the heart of the Puerto de La Libertad Tourist Complex, Legends at The Pier will serve as the gastronomic anchor of the new infrastructure, which was built with the support of the People’s Republic of China. The complex is already home to several attractions, including Sunset Park, Mercado del Mar, a fishing pier, and the boardwalk, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.
Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of dishes inspired by diverse culinary traditions, while also relaxing in a beach-themed environment that celebrates the surfing culture of the region. Paying tribute to the sport’s legends, the restaurant’s design brings the spirit of the waves to life, creating a welcoming and vibrant atmosphere for both locals and visitors.
In addition to its diverse menu, Legends at The Pier aims to become a prime spot for social gatherings, offering craft cocktails that promise to elevate the dining experience. The restaurant is set to be a key addition to the tourist complex, which, according to the Ministry of Tourism, welcomed over 3 million visitors by the end of October, with nearly half of them coming from the Salvadoran diaspora.
Legends at The Pier is poised to be a must-visit destination for anyone looking to enjoy great food, refreshing drinks, and a fantastic view of the Pacific coast.
-
Salvadoran Humanitarian Contingent Returns After Successful Mission in Costa Rica.
A Salvadoran humanitarian contingent that assisted in relief efforts following the remnants of Hurricane Rafael and tropical depressions in Costa Rica has returned to El Salvador. The team, composed of 304 members, including rescuers, paramedics, and canine units, played a crucial role in providing support to the affected regions of Guanacaste and Limón.
The first group of 150 personnel, part of the General Directorate of Civil Protection, arrived at the San Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport on Thursday. They were warmly received by El Salvador’s Minister of National Defense, René Francis Merino Monroy, who praised their quick and effective response.
«I am proud of the dedication with which you carried out your work in Costa Rica,» said Vice Admiral Merino Monroy. «It is admirable how quickly we came together to fulfill President Nayib Bukele’s order to support our Costa Rican brothers.»
The mission’s primary focus was to clear roads blocked by landslides, allowing for the timely delivery of food, medical supplies, and other assistance to communities cut off by the storms. Over 400 tons of aid, including food and medical supplies, were sent to help those in urgent need.
Costa Rican Ambassador to El Salvador, Lina Ajoy, expressed her gratitude on behalf of Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves. She highlighted the vital role the Salvadoran teams played in opening roads, enabling the delivery of critical supplies to isolated communities.
«The work you did to open roads so that ambulances, aid, and food could reach those who needed it most was fundamental,» said Ambassador Ajoy. «Many families in Costa Rica were able to receive food in the most critical moments of the emergency, thanks to your collaboration and solidarity.»
In addition to providing physical aid, the Salvadoran contingent brought much-needed hope to the affected communities. «Your presence gave hope to many people who were distressed and helped to transfer people to safety,» Ajoy added.
https://twitter.com/PresidenciaSV/status/1859650956021072094
The successful mission underscores the strong solidarity and cooperation between El Salvador and Costa Rica, as both countries continue to support each other in times of crisis.
https://twitter.com/PresidenciaSV/status/1859687673172197874
-
President Bukele Increases Aid for Farmers, Reports No Loss of Life and No Major Infrastructure Losses After Heavy Rains.
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has announced a significant increase in aid for small farmers affected by recent heavy rains. While no fatalities or significant damage to infrastructure were reported following the rainfall, a government census revealed that more families of small farmers were impacted than initially expected.
In response, President Bukele confirmed that the government will triple the assistance to farmers whose crops were damaged by the excessive rainfall. The plan includes an increase in both financial support and food aid, with 75,000 families now set to benefit from the expanded aid program.
“Thank God, we did not have human losses, and damage to the infrastructure is practically nonexistent. However, the last census revealed that there are more families of small farmers affected, as the excess rain damaged their crops,” said President Bukele. “Therefore, I have ordered to triple the number of farmers benefiting from the bonus and increase the number of food packages.”
This decision underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in the face of climate challenges.
-
Salvadoran Contingent Celebrated for Supporting Costa Rica During Crisis.
President Rodrigo Chaves of Costa Rica bid a heartfelt farewell to the Salvadoran contingent that provided critical humanitarian assistance following the devastation caused by Hurricane Rafael. The team, sent under the directive of President Nayib Bukele, received honors for their contributions to the recovery efforts.
The Salvadoran rescuers played a vital role in aiding affected communities and supporting emergency response operations during the crisis. Their commitment and hard work were acknowledged in a formal ceremony where President Chaves presented them with an official recognition for their service.
In addition, Costa Rica’s Vice Minister of Governance extended his gratitude, highlighting the dedication and professionalism of the team in addressing the challenges posed by the torrential rains.
The contingent is set to return to El Salvador today, carrying not only accolades but also the gratitude of the Costa Rican people for their invaluable support during a time of need.