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El Salvador’s Festival of Art and Design Returns in 2025: From Indigo Roots to Modern Textiles.
El Salvador will host the fourth edition of the Festival de Arte y Diseño 2025 under the theme “Trama: Where Ideas Intertwine,” bringing together artisans, designers, and tourists across three cultural destinations. Paul Steiner, president of Conamype, emphasized the international significance of the initiative, stating, “It fills me with pride to officially launch the three festivals, starting in Suchitoto with the indigo festival and continuing with the other two that are part of this fourth edition.”
He stressed that growing global interest in Salvadoran creativity is an opportunity to showcase the country’s skilled craftsmanship. The festival will begin in Suchitoto on September 27 and 28 with Raíces de Color, focusing on natural dyes and traditional coloration techniques.
The second stage, Semiótica Nahual, will take place at the Tazumal Archaeological Park in Santa Ana on October 25 and 26, highlighting textiles as carriers of cultural symbols. The closing event, La Vanguardia, will be held on December 13 and 14 at Puerto de La Libertad, featuring innovative design methods such as sublimation and modern fibers. Alejandra Durán, executive director of Corsatur, noted that the festival series is vital for strengthening El Salvador’s tourism profile. Supported by Conamype, FANTEL, cultural institutions, and private sponsors, the events will be free to the public, offering a platform to elevate the country’s artisanal and creative industries.
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Young Salvadorans to Study at Harvard University, Expanding Global Educational Opportunities
A group of young Salvadorans is set to begin their studies at Harvard University, the oldest private institution of higher education in the United States. This milestone highlights El Salvador’s ongoing commitment to fostering international educational opportunities for its youth.
By attending one of the world’s most prestigious universities, these students are expected to gain advanced knowledge and skills that will contribute to the country’s development and innovation in various sectors.
This achievement reinforces El Salvador’s dedication to academic excellence, international collaboration, and preparing the next generation of leaders.
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El Salvador and United States Conclude International Border Interdiction Training to Combat Transnational Crime
The International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in San Salvador successfully concluded the International Border Interdiction Course, a specialized training program taught by experts from the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
A total of 39 security officials from Argentina, Aruba, Belize, Chile, Curaçao, Guyana, Saint Martin, and El Salvador completed the program, which focused on strengthening institutional capacities to combat transnational organized crime.
The initiative underscores El Salvador’s commitment to international cooperation in security and law enforcement. By hosting this course, the country continues to play a central role in advancing regional strategies to prevent and dismantle criminal networks that operate across borders.
The collaboration between El Salvador and the United States reflects a shared priority to enhance border security, protect citizens, and promote regional stability through specialized training and knowledge exchange.
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Ambassador of Belize Presents Credentials to President Bukele, Strengthening Bilateral Ties
H.E. Lou-Anne Burns Martinez, Ambassador of Belize to the Republic of El Salvador, officially presented her credentials to H.E. Nayib Bukele, President of the Republic of El Salvador, in a formal ceremony held today.
During the meeting, Ambassador Burns reaffirmed Belize’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, expanding trade, and promoting initiatives that support sustainable development and shared prosperity between the two nations.
This diplomatic exchange underscores the growing partnership between El Salvador and Belize, highlighting both countries’ focus on regional cooperation, economic collaboration, and mutual progress.
As diplomatic ties strengthen, opportunities for trade, investment, and development programs are expected to increase, benefiting businesses and communities in both nations.
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Lina Seiche to Speak at BITCOIN HISTÓRICO in El Salvador, Highlighting Education and Innovation
El Salvador will host BITCOIN HISTÓRICO in San Salvador on November 12–13, bringing together global voices to discuss the nation’s pioneering role in Bitcoin adoption. Among the featured speakers is Lina Seiche, a writer, artist, and creative strategist recognized as one of the most influential figures in international Bitcoin culture.
Seiche is the creator of The Little HODLer series, which has made Bitcoin education more accessible by blending humor and creativity. She is also leading a groundbreaking initiative in El Salvador with her What is Money? schoolbook series, the world’s first financial literacy program to introduce Bitcoin concepts to students as young as seven years old.
At BITCOIN HISTÓRICO, Seiche will highlight El Salvador’s transformation and the role of education in shaping a future where technology, financial inclusion, and innovation intersect. The event is expected to attract educators, developers, policymakers, and Bitcoin advocates from around the world.
El Salvador continues to position itself as a global reference point in Bitcoin adoption and education, reinforcing its vision of combining financial innovation with social impact.
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President Bukele and CAF Advance Strategic Projects for Sustainable Development in El Salvador
El Salvador is strengthening its partnership with the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) to advance projects in key strategic sectors. CAF’s Executive President, Sergio Díaz-Granados, met with President Nayib Bukele to review the country’s project portfolio, focusing on aeronautics, sustainability, education, and healthcare.
According to CAF, progress has already been made in initiatives such as El Salvador Vuela, the submarine cable project, and the Lempa River debt-for-nature swap. These projects highlight the country’s efforts to boost innovation, improve connectivity, and promote sustainable development.
Both parties emphasized their commitment to expanding these initiatives while aligning with El Salvador’s national priorities. The agenda seeks to strengthen infrastructure, protect natural resources, and ensure the comprehensive well-being of the Salvadoran population.
This collaboration underlines El Salvador’s growing role in Latin America’s development strategy and its vision of combining economic growth with sustainability and social impact.
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El Salvador Is Born with Its Own Design: The SALVADORAN MODEL for National Transformation
President Nayib Bukele reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening El Salvador’s transformation process, emphasizing the creation of a unique “Salvadoran Model” that reflects the nation’s history, challenges, and aspirations.
“Our duty is clear: not to go back, not to surrender what we have achieved, but also to continue building step by step, without retreating,” President Bukele stated. “We will not allow anyone to tell us that it cannot be done, because it can. We have already tried it, we have already lived it, and God willing, we will continue to demonstrate it.”
Bukele described the “Salvadoran Model” as a framework built by and for the people of El Salvador. He noted that while it has begun to inspire other nations, its essence is deeply tied to the country’s unique journey. “A new El Salvador is born within us, and that new El Salvador is born with our own model, the SALVADORAN MODEL, created by us and for us,” he declared.
The president highlighted that this model represents national pride and resilience, serving as a foundation for continued growth. “Today we celebrate the pride of being Salvadoran. May God bless our people, may God bless our children and youth, and may God bless El Salvador,” Bukele concluded.
The statement underscores the administration’s message of unity, perseverance, and faith, while presenting El Salvador as a nation determined to shape its own future.
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Once a ‘No-Go’ Zone, La Campanera Now Hosts a Modern Police Facility Serving Local Families.
Authorities from El Salvador’s Security Cabinet and the Ministry of Housing inaugurated a new police station in the La Campanera neighborhood of Soyapango, San Salvador East. The event was attended by Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro, Defense Minister René Merino Monroy, and Housing Minister Michelle Sol.
The new facility, fully remodeled, is intended to strengthen community safety and provide better working conditions for police officers. “This community represents what President Nayib Bukele said in his September 15 speech about what our flag means, what our love for the country means, which is God, Union, and Liberty. That is why we were able to recover this community,” said Minister Villatoro.
He highlighted the collaboration between government institutions, the private sector, schools, and residents in achieving this milestone. “This is the reflection of that commitment and the integral leadership of our President for his Security and Social Cabinets,” he added.
The minister also noted that new police officers from class 134 of the National Academy of Public Security have been assigned to serve the community, with specialized training to work with youth and schools. “This is part of the transformations the President has asked us to make,” Villatoro explained.
For years associated with violence, La Campanera now takes on a new role as a center of service, security, and hope for local families, symbolizing El Salvador’s broader effort to recover and transform communities.
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Newly Certified Operators Strengthen El Salvador’s Competitive Position in Global Trade.
El Salvador is reinforcing its international trade by certifying 10 new companies under the Trusted Operator Program, led by the Ministry of Finance through the General Directorate of Customs. The initiative recognizes companies that meet the highest standards of security and quality in logistics and customs processes.
The certification grants businesses priority passage through customs, reducing physical and documentary controls, which speeds up border clearance. It also ensures safer and more competitive trade by minimizing the risks of illicit activities such as smuggling and drug trafficking, thereby strengthening trust with international trade partners.
“Today we are living a special moment for Salvadoran trade. The Trusted Operator Program is not only recognition, it is confirmation that in our country there are companies committed to excellence, security, and customs compliance,” said Benjamin Mayo, director general of Customs.
So far, El Salvador has signed three Mutual Recognition Agreements with six countries: Guatemala, Costa Rica, Panama, Honduras, Ecuador, and the Dominican Republic. These agreements promote more efficient customs procedures, cutting down on time and costs in commercial operations.
With the new additions, the government of President Nayib Bukele reaffirms its commitment to trade facilitation and to a specialized customs system that strengthens the country’s competitiveness and security in international markets.
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Manufacturing and Housing Investment Drive Loan Growth in El Salvador’s Financial System.
El Salvador’s financial system recorded strong growth by July 2025, with manufacturing and housing investment standing out as key drivers, according to the Superintendency of the Financial System (SSF).
The 13 commercial banks operating in the country accumulated $18.19 billion in outstanding loans, up 7.5 percent compared to July 2024. Bancoagrícola led with $4.53 billion, while San Salvador and La Libertad concentrated most of the credit activity.
Consumer loans remained the largest category at $5.89 billion, but housing loans also reached $2.9 billion and manufacturing received $1.78 billion. Construction added $1.22 billion, reflecting steady investment in productive and infrastructure sectors. “The data confirm that, beyond consumption, financing is flowing into strategic areas that support long-term growth,” the SSF noted.
Cooperative banks and savings and loan societies contributed another $2 billion, bringing the system’s consolidated credit portfolio to $20.17 billion. In July alone, banks granted $254.7 million to manufacturing and $205.8 million to commerce, alongside $307 million for consumption.
The strong lending toward housing, manufacturing, and construction underscores the financial system’s role in fueling economic development and strengthening El Salvador’s productive capacity.