El Salvador San Salvador West Mission

CULTURAL SUMMARY

Santa Ana's culture is a vibrant blend of Salvadoran influences, historical significance, and modern innovation. The city's culinary scene is renowned for its Salvadoran cuisine, featuring dishes like pupusas, tamales, and yuca con chicharrón. Music and arts thrive in Santa Ana, with venues like the Teatro de Santa Ana and the Museo de Arte de El Salvador hosting performances and exhibits. The city also embraces its rich history with institutions like the National Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Historically, Santa Ana has grown from a colonial settlement into a vibrant modern city, retaining its unique charm and cultural richness.

TOPOGRAPHY

The region features a mix of urban landscapes, volcanic mountains, and fertile valleys, with natural landmarks such as the Santa Ana Volcano and the nearby Coatepeque Caldera, offering a blend of natural beauty and metropolitan development.

CLIMATE

The climate is tropical with distinct wet and dry seasons. Summer temperatures average around 90°F, while winter temperatures average around 75°F. The wettest months are typically May to October.

LANGUAGES

The two most common languages spoken are Spanish and English.

RELIGIONS

Major religions in the region include Roman Catholicism, followed by smaller communities of Protestantism and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

INDUSTRIES

Agriculture: The region has a strong agricultural sector with major employers like local coffee producers excelling in coffee and sugar production.

Manufacturing: Companies like textile manufacturers lead in garment and footwear production.

Food Processing: The area supports a robust food processing industry with companies like Grupo Calleja excelling in producing processed foods for domestic and international markets.

LOCAL EVENTS

The area hosts events like the Festival de los Farolitos, celebrating with vibrant parades, music, and traditional dances; the Fiestas Julias, featuring cultural festivities and historical commemorations; and the Independence Day, showcasing national pride and cultural heritage.

TOURISM

Popular tourist destinations include the Santa Ana Cathedral, known for its Gothic architecture; the Teatro de Santa Ana, offering cultural and historical exhibits; and the Lake Coatepeque, featuring natural beauty and outdoor activities.

RECREATION

Favored activities include hiking, exploring archaeological sites, and enjoying natural reserves, with major parks like the Cerro Verde National Park and the Bicentennial Park being popular destinations.

MISSION HISTORY

In 1948, President Arwell L. Pierce of the Mexican Mission assigned the first missionaries to preach in El Salvador. In February 1951, a conference was held in San Salvador with a Church Apostle, Elder Albert E. Bowen, in attendance. One month later, the first 12 converts were baptized at Apulo Beach at Lake Ilopango. In 1965, there were 4,200 members in El Salvador.

By 1989, the Church in El Salvador was able to use local missionaries to sustain its missionary force. In 1986, membership was 15,100, and in 1990, membership was 38,000. Membership doubled in the next eight years.

MISSION GROUPS

These groups are a great way to connect with other families who have missionaries in the same area, reconnect with other missionaries you served with in the past or simply learn more about the mission. Robust membership activity can make these groups truly amazing resources!

Misión El Savador San Salvador Oeste 1996-1999 Group

El Salvador San Salvador West/Belize Mission Group

MISIÓN EL SALVADOR SAN SALVADOR OESTE 2000 AL 2004 Group

Hermanas – San Salvador West/Belize Mission Group

Mision El Salvador San Salvador Oeste Group