Experience El Salvador's Culture
Culture and Food
The food of El Salvador is wonderfully enriched with culture and heritage. Every Salvadoran dish is encompassed with heavy Central American influences and the history of El Salvador is tasted in every bite. Indigenous Pipil spices are still used in recipes found in El Salvador today. This being said, El Salvador cuisine is a beautiful blend of Spanish and indigenous influence. The diet of this country is heavily based off of maize, or corn. Many of the countries food is locally grown. And when it comes to coffee, El Salvador has the best. There is land after land after land of coffee growth. Seafood is also a popular commodity, as well as plantains. Since El Salvador is known for its agriculture, many of the food here is made at home using locally produced ingredients. El Salvador's diet is very distinctive and also similar to other Hispanic cultures. However, the Salvadoran diet includes influences from the indigenous Pipil Indians. Indigenous spices and ingredients is what makes most of the El Salvador dishes far different from any other Central American country.
Recipe for Pupusas
Pupusas are similar to corn tortillas, only thicker and stuffed with cheese, beans or meat. The pupusa originated in El Salvador, but it is also popular in neighboring Honduras. Pupusas are traditionally made by slapping the dough back and forth between greased palms. A tortilla press is quicker and easier for beginners.
Makes 4 or 5 pupusas
Ingredients
Method
Makes 4 or 5 pupusas
Ingredients
- Masa harina -- 2 cups
- Warm water -- 1 cup
- Filling (see variations) -- 1 cup
Method
- In a large bowl, mix together the masa harina and water and knead well. Knead in more water, one tablespoonful at a time if needed, to make a moist, yet firm dough. (It should not crack at the edges when you press down on it.) Cover and set aside to rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Roll the dough into a log and cut it into 8 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball.
- Press an indentation in each ball with your thumb. Put about 1 tablespoon of desired filling into each indentation and fold the dough over to completely enclose it. Press the ball out with your palms to form a disc, taking care that that the filling doesn't spill out.
- Line a tortilla press with plastic and press out each ball to about 5 or 6 inches wide and about 1/4-inch thick. If you don't have a tortilla press, place the dough between two pieces of plastic wrap or wax paper and roll it out with a rolling pin.
- Heat a greased skillet over medium-high flame. Cook each pupusa for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until lightly browned and blistered. Remove to a plate and hold warm until all pupusas are done. Serve with curtido or salsa rosa.
- This recipe uses masa harina, a special dried cornmeal flour used in making tortillas, tamales, etc. If you are able to get fresh masa, definitely use it instead. The flavor will be much fresher. Just substitute the masa harina and water with fresh masa. One pound will make about 4 to 6 pupusas depending on size.
- Pupusas de Queso: With a cheese filling. Use grated quesillo, queso fresco, farmer's cheese, mozzarella, Swiss cheese or a combination. Add some minced green chile if you like.
- Pupusas de Chicharrones: With a filling of fried chopped pork and a little tomato sauce. A reasonable facsimile can be made by pulsing 1 cup of cooked bacon with a little bit of tomato sauce in a food processor.
- Pupusas de Frijoles Refritos: With a refried bean filling.
- Pupusas Revueltas: Use a mixture of chicharrones, cheese and refried beans.
- Pupusas de Queso y Loroco: With a cheese and tropical vine flower filling. Loroco can be found in jars at many Latin markets.
- Pupusas de Arroz: A variety of pupusa that uses rice flour instead of corn masa.
- Other Fillings: Cooked potatoes or finely minced, sautéed jalapeño peppers are also tasty fillings. Try a mixture of different fillings.
The Status of Women in El Salvador
Since the birth of El Salvador, women have played the domestic roles in the country. Their status is slowly evolving over time. Regardless, the status of women in El Salvador remains rather traditional. Women are mainly expected to stay at home and take care of the children. They are not typically found in the workplace and are especially not prominent in business. Women are still significantly unequal to men. The inequality stems from the widely recognized practice of machismo in the country. This is not to say that women are not regarded as important players in society, because they are. They are just not deemed as valuable as men. However, as El Salvador continues to evolve women are becoming more accepted as independent and capable figures. This has been a slow progression throughout history, but it is evident with each passing day. Despite this slow adjustment, the status of women remains rather low and old fashioned in comparison to the status of men in the country.
Machismo makes a very large impact on the status of women in El Salvador. Machsimo is defined as "strong or aggressive masculine pride." It is a way of thinking and living. This sort of ideas about strong male leaders and male dominance is practiced throughout El Salvador. It is something that has been passed down from generation to generation. Those living in El Salvador see the roles of dominant men as the norm. Why? Because they were raised to believe and accept these values just like we were raised to believe our own. The widely practiced and influential machismo is seen throughout the country, regardless of economic status. This creates difficulty for women trying to break the mold. And recently, there have been women who are seeking to do exactly that. However, the status of women will be hindered and will remain as it is now as long as machismo is present. The inequality of women in this country can be explained by many reasons and machismo is just one. According to the Gender Inequality Index, El Salvador ranks 89 out of 138 countries around the world. This country ranks at the low end. Although it is not the lowest, it is nowhere near being in the top percentile. Despite the inequality in many social aspects, it's important to mention that when it comes to education both sexes are deemed as required to obtain one.
Although the country of El Salvador may be referred to as having greater evidence of male dominance, countries around the world have seen the same sort of struggle. According to the United Nations website, "only 28 women have been elected heads of state or government in this century." In El Salvador, women are barely reaching potential to be in politics. Most women still hold clerical positions, work at home, or hold other domestic positions. Recently, women have seen a change. El Salvadoran women have become more confident and few have even tried for political positions. Even though a woman has yet to take a strong leadership position in the country, the future is bright for these desiring females. Below is a world map depicting the countries in which women have taken leadership positions and/or are striving to. Narrowing in on Central America and mainly El Salvador, it is clear that there is progression toward equality but more can be done.
Women in El Salvador are not equal to men, but they hold a high regard in society as domestic partners and caretakers. As modern waves of thought proceed to touch the country, so does the acceptance of women in politics and the workplace. It is clear that women hold a lower status in society than men, but the country does not necessarily view their women as less important. Their jobs as mothers and wives is exceedingly important. As time goes on, it is hopeful that the status of women in this country will continue to improve.
References:
Gender inequality index and related indicators. (2011, December 20). Retrieved from http://data.un.org/DocumentData.aspx?q=HDI&id=273
Women at a glance. (1997, May). Retrieved from http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/women/women96.htm
(2008). Gender equality is still a dream before 2050. (2008). [Web Map]. Retrieved from www.asianoffbeat.com
Machismo makes a very large impact on the status of women in El Salvador. Machsimo is defined as "strong or aggressive masculine pride." It is a way of thinking and living. This sort of ideas about strong male leaders and male dominance is practiced throughout El Salvador. It is something that has been passed down from generation to generation. Those living in El Salvador see the roles of dominant men as the norm. Why? Because they were raised to believe and accept these values just like we were raised to believe our own. The widely practiced and influential machismo is seen throughout the country, regardless of economic status. This creates difficulty for women trying to break the mold. And recently, there have been women who are seeking to do exactly that. However, the status of women will be hindered and will remain as it is now as long as machismo is present. The inequality of women in this country can be explained by many reasons and machismo is just one. According to the Gender Inequality Index, El Salvador ranks 89 out of 138 countries around the world. This country ranks at the low end. Although it is not the lowest, it is nowhere near being in the top percentile. Despite the inequality in many social aspects, it's important to mention that when it comes to education both sexes are deemed as required to obtain one.
Although the country of El Salvador may be referred to as having greater evidence of male dominance, countries around the world have seen the same sort of struggle. According to the United Nations website, "only 28 women have been elected heads of state or government in this century." In El Salvador, women are barely reaching potential to be in politics. Most women still hold clerical positions, work at home, or hold other domestic positions. Recently, women have seen a change. El Salvadoran women have become more confident and few have even tried for political positions. Even though a woman has yet to take a strong leadership position in the country, the future is bright for these desiring females. Below is a world map depicting the countries in which women have taken leadership positions and/or are striving to. Narrowing in on Central America and mainly El Salvador, it is clear that there is progression toward equality but more can be done.
Women in El Salvador are not equal to men, but they hold a high regard in society as domestic partners and caretakers. As modern waves of thought proceed to touch the country, so does the acceptance of women in politics and the workplace. It is clear that women hold a lower status in society than men, but the country does not necessarily view their women as less important. Their jobs as mothers and wives is exceedingly important. As time goes on, it is hopeful that the status of women in this country will continue to improve.
References:
Gender inequality index and related indicators. (2011, December 20). Retrieved from http://data.un.org/DocumentData.aspx?q=HDI&id=273
Women at a glance. (1997, May). Retrieved from http://www.un.org/ecosocdev/geninfo/women/women96.htm
(2008). Gender equality is still a dream before 2050. (2008). [Web Map]. Retrieved from www.asianoffbeat.com
Women and the Government
Statistics about El Salvador's People
Ethnic Groups: mestizo 86.3%, white 12.7%, Amerindian 1% (2007 census)
Religions: Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 21.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.9%, Mormon 0.7%, other religions 2.3%, none 16.8% (2003 est.)
Median Age: 24.7 years
Fertility rate: 2.04 children born/woman (2012 est.)
School Life Expectancy: 12 years for both males and females
Unemployment (ages 15-24): 11.4%
Religions: Roman Catholic 57.1%, Protestant 21.2%, Jehovah's Witnesses 1.9%, Mormon 0.7%, other religions 2.3%, none 16.8% (2003 est.)
Median Age: 24.7 years
Fertility rate: 2.04 children born/woman (2012 est.)
School Life Expectancy: 12 years for both males and females
Unemployment (ages 15-24): 11.4%
Cultural Heritage
The purpose of this map is to display how El Salvador's ancestors have contributed to what is the culture of the country today. (Torres de Martinez, 2011)
El Salvador: Major Religions
The Roman Catholic church has been prevalent in El Salvador for many years. It is the has the highest percentage of members.
(n.d.). El salvador catholic church. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.photius.com/countries/el_salvador/government/el_salvador_government_the_roman_catholic_c~742.html |
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, San Salvador Temple dedicated in August 2011.
(2011). San salvador el salvador temple. (2011). [Print Photo]. Retrieved from http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/article/san-salvador-el-salvador-temple-dedication |
Being a Hispanic country, El Salvador has been heavily influenced by the Roman Catholic church since the beginning of the country's existence. While Roman Catholicism is the major religion in the country there are also several other Christian religions present in the country. These religions are actually continuing to grow. In addition to Roman Catholicism, the presence of Protestantism, Jehovah's Witness, and Latter Day Saints populate the country. So, where did the heavy influence of Roman Catholicism in El Salvador start? It all began with the country's unification with other Central American countries. These countries were already under the influence of the Church. El Salvador joined along with the other countries and accepted the Catholic Church as its main religion. Protestantism has always been present in the country however the increase of Protestant missionaries and members occurred during the 1930s depression.
Religion plays an important role in El Salvador's social development and culture. Many El Salvadoran people are very religious. There have also been several changes in the society of the country's people with the presence of religion. Marriage was not widely prevalent in the country. Many couples lived together without the consent of marriage and it was common for children to be born out of wedlock. Despite the prevalence of these situations, religion has had an influence on marriage and family. Other effects religion has had includes the need for it during hard times. When the country was under political turmoil and economic destruction, many Salvadorans turned to religion.
El Salvador is a very small country, however there are a few sacred sites that can be found in the country. One of these sites includes the dedication to the Salvadoran Martyrs. This site is dedicated to a group of influential, faithful individuals. El Salvadorans highly respect this site and the people honored here. Another sacred site includes the recent dedication of the LDS Temple in San Salvador in 2011. This is a sacred site for the growing population of Latter Day Saints in the country. They perform church work and other sacred ordinances here.
There is an obvious relationship between the government and religion in El Salvador. In El Salvador's constitution, it explicitly recognizes the Roman Catholic Church as a main religion and grants it legal status. On top of this, the church has been the foundation for hope during political distress in the country. Political leaders follow the guidance of the Catholic Church. Throughout the country's history, the government has had close ties to religion.
References on Sources Page.
Religion plays an important role in El Salvador's social development and culture. Many El Salvadoran people are very religious. There have also been several changes in the society of the country's people with the presence of religion. Marriage was not widely prevalent in the country. Many couples lived together without the consent of marriage and it was common for children to be born out of wedlock. Despite the prevalence of these situations, religion has had an influence on marriage and family. Other effects religion has had includes the need for it during hard times. When the country was under political turmoil and economic destruction, many Salvadorans turned to religion.
El Salvador is a very small country, however there are a few sacred sites that can be found in the country. One of these sites includes the dedication to the Salvadoran Martyrs. This site is dedicated to a group of influential, faithful individuals. El Salvadorans highly respect this site and the people honored here. Another sacred site includes the recent dedication of the LDS Temple in San Salvador in 2011. This is a sacred site for the growing population of Latter Day Saints in the country. They perform church work and other sacred ordinances here.
There is an obvious relationship between the government and religion in El Salvador. In El Salvador's constitution, it explicitly recognizes the Roman Catholic Church as a main religion and grants it legal status. On top of this, the church has been the foundation for hope during political distress in the country. Political leaders follow the guidance of the Catholic Church. Throughout the country's history, the government has had close ties to religion.
References on Sources Page.
This graph depicts the percentage of religion in the country.
(2011). Religion in el salvador. (2011). [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://www.cyborlink.com/besite/el_salvador.html |
Men honor Divine Savior of the World, patron saint, during religious celebration.
Romero, L. (Photographer). (2009). El salvador religion photo. [Web Photo]. Retrieved from http://newshopper.sulekha.com/el-salvador-religion_photo_923500.htm |
World Map of Religions
Additional Information on El Salvador's Culture
El Salvador is incredibly rich with culture. It's history, it's people, and it's customs make up this beautifully enriched country. Visit these sites to engulf yourself in the glorious culture of El Salvador.
This site will give you knowledge pertaining to El Salvador's language, people, and etiquette. It's particularly interesting to read how the people of El Salvador greet each other, their dining manners, and other forms of etiquette.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/elsalvador.html
This site will help you explore El Salvador. The author was born in El Salvador so this is a great first hand account of how people live here. This gives a wonderful perspective on culture and is quite the entertaining read.
http://www.explore-beautiful-el-salvador.com/elsalvadorculture.html
This site will give you knowledge pertaining to El Salvador's language, people, and etiquette. It's particularly interesting to read how the people of El Salvador greet each other, their dining manners, and other forms of etiquette.
http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette/elsalvador.html
This site will help you explore El Salvador. The author was born in El Salvador so this is a great first hand account of how people live here. This gives a wonderful perspective on culture and is quite the entertaining read.
http://www.explore-beautiful-el-salvador.com/elsalvadorculture.html