Author: Hugh Talley

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Quezaltepeque’s central park is celebrated not only as a vibrant community space but also as a hub of culinary tradition and local enterprise.

If you look at today’s Diario El Salvador, you’ll find an article called “Discover four delicious ventures that you will find in the Quezaltepeque park.” For us, this isn’t just a news mention. It’s a way to celebrate the flavors, people, and everyday magic that make Quezaltepeque’s central park unique.

In this post, we’ll share the “four delicious ventures” you can find around the park, along with our own thoughts and tips for anyone who wants to taste Quezaltepeque for themselves.

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1. Traditional Pupusas Hot Off the Comal

No trip to a Salvadoran park is complete without pupusas, and Quezaltepeque’s central park is no different. One of the favorite food spots in Diario El Salvador’s article is the classic pupusería stand, where the scent of toasted masa and melted cheese fills the air in the early evening.

Here, you’ll typically find all the favorites:

• Queso con loroco, for a floral, traditional touch
• Revuelta, with beans, cheese and chicharrón
• Frijol y queso is a simple but comforting option.

Pupusas are served with plenty of curtido, the tangy pickled cabbage, and a scoop of tomato salsa. This simple street food brings families, friends, and visitors together on park benches under the gentle glow of outdoor lights.

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2. Sweet Delights: Churros, Buñuelos, and Traditional Sweets

Another “delicious venture” in the park is perfect for those with a sweet tooth. As you walk, you’ll often spot stands selling churros, freshly fried and sprinkled with sugar, sometimes topped with chocolate or condensed milk.

Alongside churros, vendors sometimes offer:

• Buñuelos, which are crisp on the outside and soft inside, are often served with sweet syrup.
• Traditional Salvadoran candies are made from milk, coconut, or sesame
• Fruit cups with lime and chile for a tangy contrast

This part of the park’s food scene is perfect for grabbing a snack while people-watching and soaking up the local atmosphere.

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3. Aromas of Coffee, Hot Chocolate, and Evening Conversations

As the sun sets, stands and small kiosks fill the air with the warm aroma of coffee and hot chocolate. This is another spot that turns Quezaltepeque Park into a real gathering place, not just a public square.

These vendors often offer:

• Strong Salvadoran coffee, sometimes prepared in a simple but traditional way.
• Rich hot chocolate, ideal for cooler evenings
• Sweet breads or pan dulce to accompany your drink

It’s the perfect place in the park to pause, chat with locals, and enjoy the relaxed pace of daily life in Quezaltepeque. The Diario El Salvador article captures the park’s human side. It’s not just about food, but about sharing moments.

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4. Fresh Fruits, Natural Juices, and Cool Refreshments

To complete the four delicious ventures, no visit to a Salvadoran park is complete without fresh fruits and natural juices. In Quezaltepeque’s park, you’ll find carts and stands full of seasonal fruits and colorful drinks that catch your eye from a distance.

You might spot:

• Freshly squeezed orange or lime juice
• Horchata, a traditional drink made from toasted seeds and spices
• Tamarind or Jamaica (hibiscus) drinks are sweet, tart, and refreshing.
• Cut fruit like mango, pineapple, and watermelon, often served with lime and chile.

These drinks and fruits are a refreshing break from the heat and a healthy choice alongside all the savory and sweet treats nearby. Together, they round out the four “delicious ventures” that make Quezaltepeque Park a memorable stop.

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A Park Full of Flavor and Local Stories

For us, Quezaltepeque’s central park is:

• A place where local entrepreneurs and families share their recipes and dreams
• A space where tradition, like pupusas and hot drinks, mixes with creativity, such as new sweets and drinks
• An open invitation to visitors to taste El Salvador beyond the typical tourist spots

If you have the chance to visit Quezaltepeque, bring your appetite and curiosity. Follow the aromas, listen to the stories at each stand, and discover your own favorite “delicious ventures” in the park.

And the next time you read about Quezaltepeque, you’ll know just how those words come to life.

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This story is inspired by reporting from Diario El Salvador.

Image created • Hikers at sunrise near Izalco Volcano

A Birthday Written in Fire

Some dates come and go quietly, but others remind us how young our land is. February 23 marks 256 years since the Izalco volcano first appeared. Called El Salvador’s “Faro del Pacífico,” or lighthouse of the Pacific, its bright glow once helped guide ships long before GPS and satellite maps.

A Volcano Born in Human Time

Izalco didn’t take millions of years to form. It began on a day like today in 1770, and stayed active for nearly two centuries. For 196 years, it sent out fire and lava, shaping the land between Sonsonate and Santa Ana. Its last eruption was in 1966. Since then, it has been quiet—resting, but never forgotten.

What the Scientists See Today

Today, technicians from the Ministry of Environment watch Izalco closely. A MARN specialist said years ago that the volcano shows no cracks, seismic changes, or new activity. For now, Izalco is quiet. But quiet does not mean it is gone. Anyone who has walked the trails at Los Volcanes knows the feeling: the ground is old, but the forces that shaped it are still there.

A Perfect Cone Above Coffee Country

Izalco stands 1,950 meters above sea level, forming a perfect cone above coffee fields and cloud forests. It shares its protected area with the Santa Ana volcano and Cerro Verde, making it one of the country’s most famous landscapes. Whether you see it from the coast, the highway, or the air, its shape is easy to recognize.

Why Anniversaries Like This Matter

Anniversaries like this help us see things in two ways. In geological time, 256 years is very short. But for people, it means a lot. Nations have come and gone during Izalco’s life. Families have lived and died under its shadow. Still, the volcano stands, showing that the story of this land goes on.

A Sleeping Giant, Still Watching

Maybe that’s why Izalco fascinates so many people. It feels young and alive, but also timeless. Now that it is quiet, we can visit with curiosity instead of fear. It is a sleeping giant, a witness, and a reminder that El Salvador’s landscape is not just beautiful, but full of history.

Looking West, Remembering the Earth

As Izalco turns 256, it’s a good time to look west and remember that our country is shaped not only by people and politics, but also by the earth itself, which is always changing and full of surprises.

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Image created • El Salvador’s tourism boom illustrated

Diario El Salvador reports that Barron’s has brought international attention to El Salvador’s fast-growing tourism industry and the security improvements that have made it possible under President Bukele.

A Change the World Is Just Starting to Notice

Often, international news arrives after locals have already seen the changes. That’s what came to mind when I saw Barron’s—a U.S. financial magazine usually focused on markets—publish an AFP story titled: “The capital of crime is over: Bukele boosts tourism in El Salvador.”

For people living here, the change wasn’t about headlines. It began with small things: driving without fear, feeling welcome at the beach again, and walking through town at dusk without the old tension.

The Numbers That Show the Change

The numbers in the article help explain what many Salvadorans have long felt.

• Last year, 4.1 million visitors came to El Salvador.
• That’s a 60% increase compared to 2019.
• $3.6 billion in tourism revenue, which is almost 10% of the country’s GDP.
• There has also been a 98% drop in homicides since 2015.

These aren’t small improvements. There are big changes that have changed how the world views El Salvador.

El Tunco: A Symbol of Change

Barron’s notes that El Tunco, once a place people avoided, is now described as “packed with tourists.” A Costa Rican visitor told AFP he chose El Salvador because it feels safer now.

Shakira’s concerts brought in many international visitors, and the Tourism Minister says the country is now “on the map as an event venue.”

International Recognition Arrives

One important detail is that the U.S. State Department now lists El Salvador at Level 1, its safest category, just like Greece or Finland.

For a country often known for its past, this is more than a bureaucratic update. It shows millions of travelers that the old story no longer fits.

How the Numbers Relate to Everyday Life

What stands out to me is how these international recognitions match daily life here. In Ahuachapán, mornings are calm. Families gather in public spaces that were once empty, and foreign visitors now come to places that were once only for locals.

The Barron’s article highlights the numbers, but behind the data is something quieter—a country finally being recognized for more than its past.

A Country Entering a New Chapter

Sometimes, it takes an international headline to remind us that what feels normal now was once unthinkable. The world is finally seeing what Salvadorans have lived: a shift from fear to hope, from survival to growth, and from being known for crime to being recognized for change.

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This post is based on reporting from a recent article in the Salvadoran newspaper Diario El Salvador

Some news stories catch my attention not because of drama or politics, but because they show the steady, quiet ways Salvadorans make a difference. Today I read about Johana Hernández, a Salvadoran-American fashion designer who grew up around sewing machines and now presents her work on international runways.

Hernández was born in Los Angeles to Salvadoran parents who worked long hours in textile factories. While other kids played outside, she spent her afternoons watching her parents cut, stitch, and sew clothes. What seemed like routine factory work to others became an early lesson for her. Those hours, sounds, and scraps of fabric formed the foundation of her creativity.

By her teenage years, she was already designing clothes. Later, she worked with major brands, started her own label, and eventually saw her designs worn by celebrities and shown around the world. Her brand, GLAUDI, is known for its style and quality, but what stands out most is her persistence, not the glamour.

What stood out to me in the article was how she talks about her roots. She does not treat her Salvadoran heritage as something extra. Instead, she carries it with her and includes it in her work and public life. She uses her position to support charities, especially those that help Latino communities, and often credits her parents’ sacrifices for inspiring her.

There is something quietly powerful about this. In a world that often measures success by how visible it is, Hernández’s story reminds us that many Salvadoran successes begin in small, humble places like a factory floor, a family kitchen, or a neighborhood where dreams seem too big. Still, those dreams grow.

For those of us living in El Salvador, it is encouraging to see these stories come out. They show another side of who we are—not just the challenges we have faced, but also the creativity, discipline, and determination that have taken many Salvadorans far beyond our borders.

Hernández’s journey is shaped by effort, family, and identity. Like many Salvadoran stories, it shows that talent often grows quietly in unexpected places until it finally comes into the light.

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In an interview featured by Diario El Salvador, Yossi Abadi reflected on how security paved the way for broader institutional change.

For years, most discussions about El Salvador focused on security. News reports, everyday conversations, and daily routines all revolved around safety. This made sense, since without public order, people faced fear every day.

Recently, I read an interview with Israeli businessman Yossi Abadi, and one thing he said stood out to me: “Security was the reset. Institutionality is now the new operating system.”

That simple line sums up a change many of us have noticed. The streets changed first, and everyone saw it. Now, a quieter shift is happening. It’s less dramatic, but possibly even more important: slowly building lasting systems.

Abadi views countries as investments, focusing on facts rather than feelings. He believes safety “cleared the runway,” but investors want more. They come when they trust they can land, refuel, and take off again under clear rules. He says trust comes from visibility, legal certainty, and consistency.

One phrase he uses stuck with me: the “invisible tax of uncertainty.” Anyone who has lived or worked in Central America knows this cost. You never see it in laws or budgets, but everyone pays it through delays, changing processes, and sudden rule changes. Abadi says cutting this invisible tax is one of the biggest changes happening now.

He also mentions something people rarely discuss: President Bukele’s executive vision lines up with the vice president’s legal and institutional work. Whatever your view of their approach, Abadi believes this teamwork reduces friction and speeds things up. In many other countries, this kind of coordination often gets lost in bureaucracy.

His point about culture stands out. Now, Salvadoran entrepreneurs talk easily about artificial intelligence, digital assets, logistics, and renewable energy. These conversations show the country is starting to see itself as a global player. Change like this takes time. It starts when people believe long-term planning is possible again.

That doesn’t mean the work is done. Building institutions takes time, and they can fall apart quickly. Still, it’s important to see how outside observers, especially investors, view things now. They’re not just focused on safety anymore. They’re talking about systems, rules, and trust.

Security changed daily life. What happens next depends on whether the country can keep building the systems that support stability.

For those of us living here, this is a conversation worth following.

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Some places in El Salvador seem to vanish for a time, not because they go anywhere, but because life around them becomes too complicated for visitors. The middle zone of the Chaparrastique volcano was like that. For years, the land in La Cruz, in the Conacastal canton of Chinameca, was taken over and affected by gangs. People would pass by without even glancing up. The mountain stayed, but it didn’t belong to anyone.

Things are slowly changing.

A small project called Volcano has opened on the land that once felt forgotten. It’s not a resort or a big development. Instead, it’s a simple place with bathrooms, electricity, internet, camping spots, and a shared area where people can gather safely. It offers just enough comfort to make you feel welcome, while still letting you know you’re on a mountain.

This land has a long history. In the 1990s, it was called the Mendiola farm and was known for its orange groves. Over the years, it was divided, taken over, and faced the same problems as many rural areas. Only in the last few years, after security improved, were the owners able to get it back and start restoring it. By December 2025, Volcano welcomed its first visitors.

Now, three local families make their living there. That matters. In a country where many projects used to benefit outsiders, it feels good to see something small and local grow again. The owners are planting native trees, building in ways that protect the soil, and collecting water. These quiet actions show a kind of care that wasn’t always there before.

Volcano isn’t a big news story. It won’t change the whole country by itself. But it’s part of a bigger trend: places that used to be known for fear are being reclaimed, fixed up, and returned to the people who live nearby. A mountain slope turns into a campsite. An old farm becomes a place to gather. A risky path becomes a trail again.

These are small signs that the country is learning to breathe in a new way. It’s not loud, but steady, like a landscape slowly healing as people feel safe enough to return.

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When El Salvador hosts a big event, the impact goes far beyond a single weekend. According to a report by Diario El Salvador, Minister of Tourism Morena Valdez said that February brought in record numbers of visitors, thanks to concerts, sports, and more people around the world taking notice of the country.

From February 1 to 15, Shakira’s residency helped bring 231,000 international visitors to El Salvador. A few years back, numbers like this would have been hard to imagine. Now, the IRONMAN 70.3 San Salvador event has attracted even more travelers, with organizers saying over 4,000 people came just for the competition.

A Renovated Lake Ilopango Becomes an International Platform

IRONMAN organizers considered several locations before choosing Lake Ilopango, impressed by its natural beauty and global appeal. To get ready, the government fixed up the Apulo recreational park, which hadn’t been updated in years, and finished the work in just two months. The park will reopen to the public on March 2, providing the community with a lasting benefit after the event.

Tourism’s Economic Ripple Impact

Minister Valdez said that events like IRONMAN help not just tourism, but the whole economy:

• hotels
• restaurants
• transportation
• tour operators
• guides
• food and beverage suppliers

Every visitor who comes for a competition or concert adds to the country’s story. Their experience is defined by the hospitality, safety, and warmth they feel from the moment they arrive.

Why These Events Matter

El Salvador is building a reputation as a host of major international events. Each one brings more than just photos and news stories. These events create new infrastructure, jobs, and greater confidence in what the country has to offer.

As Minister Valdez said, these events are helping “strengthen tourism and the economy,” and the momentum continues to grow each month.

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For Salvadorans living abroad, voting has always meant a lot. Even far from home, many people see voting as a way to stay connected to their roots. This year, there’s an important reminder: February 27 is the last day to update your address abroad if you want to vote online in the upcoming elections.

The Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) says this update is required for anyone who wants to vote from abroad. After the deadline, you won’t be able to make changes. For Salvadorans living around the world, this simple step makes sure their vote is counted.

The process is simple. The TSE has set up official online channels where Salvadorans abroad can check and update their information. This small step matters. In recent years, more Salvadorans living abroad have become eligible to vote, and online voting has enabled many who couldn’t before.

This change is part of a bigger shift. As El Salvador updates its voting systems, people living abroad are now seen as an important part of the national conversation. Whether someone left many years ago or just recently, voting online gives them a way to stay connected and take part in the country’s democracy.

For those of us living in El Salvador, it can be easy to overlook how important that connection is. For Salvadorans abroad, updating an address is more than just paperwork. It’s a way of saying, I still belong here.

With the deadline only a few days away, here’s the main message:

If you are living abroad and want to vote online, make sure to update your information before February 27.

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This post draws on reporting from Diario El Salvador’s coverage on Salvadoran coffee shop Alquimia

Every so often, a story reminds us of El Salvador’s progress—not through big announcements, but through the steady efforts of its people. This week, Alquimia Coffee gave us that reminder by being named the third-best coffee shop in the world by The World’s 100 Best Coffee ranking.

Alquimia Coffee opened its doors in November 2024, which makes this achievement even more impressive. The ranking, considered the most respected in specialty coffee, judges coffee quality, sustainability, atmosphere, and barista skill. It’s exciting to see a Salvadoran café join the ranks of top spots alongside places from France, Colombia, Malaysia, Austria, Singapore, Australia, Norway, and the United States.

The report describes Alquimia as a “world-class specialty coffee shop and roastery.” Federico Bolaños, the most successful coach in World Barista Championship history, started the café. The ranking highlights that Alquimia’s goal is to create memorable experiences by offering specialty coffee, great food, unique drinks, and warm hospitality, making each cup feel like art.

Bolaños expressed his gratitude for the honor and dedicated it to Alquimia’s customers and the country’s coffee growers. He told Diario El Salvador that this achievement is not just for the café: “este es un logro de país,” a national accomplishment that comes from the quality of Salvadoran coffee.

One standout detail is that all the coffee Alquimia serves comes from El Salvador, sourced from more than 30 producers across different regions. Their menu includes local varieties like pacamara, bernadina, bourbon, and geisha. This proves the world is noticing what we sometimes miss: El Salvador produces some of the best coffee anywhere.

Alquimia’s rise from #14 last year to #3 this year is more than just a number. It shows what can happen when passion, skill, and national pride come together. For Salvadorans, it’s another proud moment and a reminder that even a small country can achieve excellence and gain worldwide recognition.

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This post draws on reporting from Diario El Salvador’s coverage of IRONMAN 70.3 San Salvador.

This week, El Salvador is getting ready to host something new: IRONMAN 70.3 San Salvador. This international triathlon will bring athletes from all over the world to our lakes, highways, and historic streets. After years spent rebuilding our sense of safety and hope, welcoming an event like this feels especially meaningful.

The Vice Ministry of Transportation says nearly 4,000 people will help support the race. Members of the Armed Forces, the National Civil Police, traffic managers, and other groups will work together to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely. This kind of teamwork would have been hard to imagine not long ago, and officials say the country’s improved conditions made it possible.

The race will show off some of El Salvador’s most famous places. Athletes will start by swimming in Lake Ilopango, known for its volcanic history and natural beauty. Next, they will cycle along Boulevard del Ejército and the Panamericana toward Cojutepeque. The final part, the run, will take them through the renewed Historic Center of San Salvador, finishing in the heart of the city where public spaces are being restored.

Officials also expect the event to help tourism and the local economy, as athletes and their families visit and explore the country. The Vice Minister pointed out that many participants come not just to compete but also to travel. This means even more when you remember how much things have changed in recent years.

For people living here, IRONMAN 70.3 is more than just a sports event. It shows that our country is finding a new identity. We are still humble and not perfect, but we are more confident in our ability to host, welcome, and take part in the world. Even if you are not a sports fan, it is hard not to feel proud seeing El Salvador recognized for something so positive.

The race will happen this Sunday, February 22. Even if you are not near the route, you might still feel the excitement across the country. For a small nation with a big heart, this is another moment worth noticing.

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