Salvadoran culture is influenced by Native American culture (Lenca, Cacaopera, Maya, and Pipil people) as well as Latin American culture including Latin America, Hispanic America, and Ibero-America. It is also influenced religiously, mostly by Catholicism.
General etiquette
- Salvadoran women often pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder, rather than shake hands.
- Close friends may hug and kiss on the right cheek.
- Men shake hands with other men and with women, although they wait for the woman to extend her hand.
- Refer to people by the appropriate honorific title (Senor or Senora) and their surname until invited to move to a first-name basis
- Refer to people by the appropriate honorific title (Senor or Senora) and their surname until invited to move to a first-name basis
- Salvadorans enjoy socializing and are extremely hospitable.
- It is rude to leave immediately after eating. you are expected to stay for at least an hour after dinner to converse with your hosts and the other guests.
- Never arrive on time when invited to a home, it may sound strange you should arrive a little later than invited.
- Dress well as this affords the host respect.
Religion
The most dominant religion in the country is Christianity, with Catholics constituting 44.9%, Protestants 37.1%, Unaffiliated 15.2%, and Other unknown religions 2.8% as of 2017.
Food and cuisine
Food and drink in El Salvador are particularly distinctive among the diverse cuisines of Central America. Its culinary traditions are the result of a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences. Some of the dishes you can find in El Salvador include:
Pupusa- is a thick handmade tortilla made with cornflour and stuffed with cheese, cooked ground pork, and fried lorocco. You can use vegetarian alternatives to the filling mostly made with local squash and garlic. Pupusa is usually served with spicy cabbage slaw and tomato salsa but can also be eaten plain.
Sopa De Pata is a wholesome soup made with a variety of ingredients including starch, spices, and meat, but what gives this soup an extra edge is that it is made with cow hooves. other ingredients include tripe, cassava, sweet corns, squash, plantains, and green beans.
Tamales- is an authentic Salvadoran food that entails small pockets made of corn dough wrapped inside a banana leaf or a corn husk and steamed. the banana leaf or corn husk can then be discarded or used as a plate.
Panes Rellenos- is a typical El Salvadoran sandwich filled with either turkey or chicken and cooked in Pipil spices. this sandwich is accompanied by tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.
Sopa De Pescado is a soup that is made with fish and other seafood. the flavor is added by adding tomatoes, achiote, green pepper, cumin, and cornflour.
Yuca frita- fried yucca that is often served with chicharron- deep-fried pork cracklings.
Pacaya planta- these are palm flowers breaded in cornmeal, fried, and served with tomato sauce.
Platanos fritos- deep-fried plantains.
Music
El Salvador Music shows cultural and religious influences. Roman Catholicism has had a great impact on the El Salvador culture which is also reflected in the music of the country. Modern music includes cumbia, hip hop, salsa, and reggaeton. traditional Music in El Salvador is greatly influenced by the native cultures. Ther types of music include Xuc, Danza, pasillo, marcha, and Canciones. The Xylophone, drums, Güira, Guitar, Fanfare trumpet, piano, Oud, Ney, Goblet drum, and Qanunfolk are some of the musical instruments used.
Sport
The most popular sport in El Salvador is soccer, other popular sports include basketball, tennis, swimming, and baseball. El Salvador is home to the largest football stadium in Central America known as the Estadio Cuscatlan in San Salvador. The country competes in regional and international competitions in various sports. El Salvador competes regularly at the CONCACAF Gold Cup and the UNCAF Nations Cup, and the World cup qualifiers.
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
