Fiestas Agostinas (August Festival)
The August festival, also known as Fiestas Agostinas, is one of the festivals that people from all over the world look forward to each year. This festival has its origins in 1525, when San Salvador was founded. San Salvador translates as "Holy Savior." The August festival is unquestionably one of El Salvador's most popular.
The Fiestas Agostinas in San Salvador begin with the celebration of the patron saint of San Salvador, The Divino Salvador del Mundo (the divine savior of the world). Religious processions, sporting events such as soccer tournaments, parades, good food such as the traditional Pupusa (thick handmade corn flour or rice flour tortillas stuffed with cheese), major concerts, open air parties, street dancers and floats, a beauty contest, a large fair, and an art exhibition are all held in celebration of the festival. Religious ceremonies are held in front of the National Cathedral. La Bajada, which means "the descent," is the most notable religious activity. This entails lowering a paraded-through-the-streets sculpted image of Jesus Christ into a wooden shell. The purple robe that adorned the image is removed after it is lowered into the shell, and the sculpted image emerges in a white robe. This activity is a representation of Jesus Christ's transfiguration. Fiestas Agostinas is completed by the feast of Jesus Christ's transfiguration, which takes place in homes or in groups outside the home.
It occurs during the summer, which is El Salvador's wet season. Fiestas Agostinas are held in every city throughout the country during the first week of August, from August 1st to August 6th. It is usually at its peak in San Salvador. During the festival, a marching band wakes the city up at 4 a.m. The day's activities begin immediately following the marching band. This jam-packed one-week event will undoubtedly be entertaining and should not be missed. If you want to fully immerse yourself in El Salvadoran culture, book a ticket to El Salvador this August to attend this festival, and you will not be disappointed.
Address: San Salvador, El Salvador
Takes place: August
