If you would like to learn more about El Salvador’s History, Traditions, Culture, News, and expat living come and visit my website at http://elsalvadorangringo.com
There are some interesting aspects to El Salvadoran culture one such aspect is the traditional dances that they perform. These are the magnificent renditions of their history and culture and you find yourself drawn into the spirited dances when they are performed.
The Dance of Chapetones
There is one Dance in particular that is very traditional that goes back many generations. The dance is called the “The Dance of Chapetones.” This dance involves a group of twelve men wearing shoes and tuxedos. There is one woman all in white with a immaculate headdress placed on her head. This woman symbolizes the queen and the dance mimics the style of the Spaniards with very robust and lazy moves according to the music.
The Dance Of the Lance
This is an ancient dance that involves battle the dance is “Lenca” in origin. Most of the time you will see this dance performed in the eastern towns of the country. The “Dance of the Lance” is an ancient battle dance that involves four to twelve men carrying a long lance that is vibrantly decorated with metal curls. The lance that they carry is called “Partesana.” Along with the four to twelve men an equal number of others will accompany them carrying another assortment of things like banners, ribbons, batons and bows decorated with vibrant colors and color balls. The dancers as they are performing the ritualistic dance with then throw the lances to the sky and catch them as they go along. After having made many flips in the air the dancers moves while they are turning and flipping the lances in the air. This helps the dancers create a realistic battle affect while dancing.
The Dance of the Wild Pig
This dance has ancestral origins back to the original Indians who inhabited the lands of El Salvador. This dance is seen at many festivals in almost any town you come too. The Main dancer wears a wild pig skin disguise and is performing a interpretation of the animal. There is then another man in the nearby area that is elegantly dressed and his wife with the traditional outfit of the region and a very large hat decorated with vibrantly color flowers and paper. Then another man that is with the chorus is dressed up like a old dog and he conduct the chorus. The members of the chorus are dressed in small “pacaya” or small sorts or skirts that have colorful feathers and paper bows and arrows with wooden lances or twigs from a local sacred tree.
The Dance of the Little Bull
During certain gigantic feast that takes place in communities that are labeled as “nonualcos”, this is where this dance is normally carried out. One example of a “nonualcos” is in San Pedro. A man dressed up in a bull costume with a long tail and sharp horns on his head. Then some people dressed up in bull fighters appear and as the music is pounding in your ears the drums and whistling the bull fighters attack the loan bull while dancing. Just a the climax the bull heads towards heaven a deathly silence engulfs the crowd and dancers. Then ancient verses are read in the native tongue translated are this little bull, I bring it to eat a bucket of grass only by coming to dance in front of mister mayor.
These are some of the most traditional and spirited cultural dances that are still done in the traditions of their history and ancestors. So if you spot the music o and take a look and be drawn into the symbolism, tradition and spirit of the El Salvadoran people.
- Related Videos
- Related Articles
- Ask / Related Q&A




It's worthy to choose Ugg boots
By: aaryn | 09/12/2009It's worthy to choose Ugg boots
It's worthy to choose Ugg boots
By: aaryn | 09/12/2009It's worthy to choose Ugg boots
It's worthy to choose Ugg boots
By: aaryn | 09/12/2009It's worthy to choose Ugg boots
Watch 2012 Movie Online - Download Legit 2012 Movie Full Movie!
By: The Movie Guy | 08/12/2009Now, Let the 2012 Movie movie craze begin. As we speak there are millions of people looking to watch 2012 Movie online for free or download 2012 Movie full movie. Lets face it, sometimes it can be pretty tough to find a good site to watch movies and watch 2012 Movie online for free.
Watch Invictus Online – Full Movie Stream
By: Daryl | 08/12/2009Find out where to watch Invictus online for free, the full movie stream.
How watch TV on PC
By: fencop | 08/12/2009How watch TV on PC
5 Tips to Get Your Child Ready for a Modeling Career (Or Hobby)!
By: Tod Martin | 08/12/2009Contact the modeling agencies that you are interested in and write up a cover letter that states all of your child’s unique characteristics and charms. If your child has been involved in modeling in the past or volunteer activities be sure to mention that as well.
How to watch TV on My PC
By: fencop | 08/12/2009How to watch TV on My PC
Legends Of Guatemala -- The Jaguar and the Deer
By: Kadmiel | 05/08/2009 | CultureStories written as myths and legends were often written as simple stories, aimed at children to teach them something, with the meaning hidden within them. The Jaguar and the Deer is a cautionary Mayan tale.
Legends Of Peru -- Legend of the Ayar Brothers
By: Kadmiel | 05/08/2009 | CultureThis legend is about four Ayar brothers, Uchu, Manco, Cachi and Auca, created by Viracocha to rule the world
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Brazil
By: Kadmiel | 22/07/2009 | TravelWhat are the Top ten reasons that you can think of to visit Brazil? Brazil is a country full of immense natural beauty. Exotic beaches and lush rain forests are a few of the wonderful attractions that await visitors and expats alike. Brazil is home to a wide variety of ethnic and biological diversity, Whose heritage is expressed within vibrantly colored art and huge celebrations. Historical cities of pre-Columbian through the Spanish landings await those who love to follow history.
Panama Travel Tips & Advice
By: Kadmiel | 21/07/2009 | TravelPanama It has been famed for it spectacular achievement in connecting the world’s largest oceans. But, there is so much more to see and experience in panama then just the canal. This country’s curvy narrow landmass serves as a cultural and physical land bridge between north and South America. Panama is largely overlooked by most globe trotters and they are missing out on a small but spectacular country.
Exotic & Traditional Food To experience in Honduras
By: Kadmiel | 21/07/2009 | Food & BeverageIf you are traveling to Honduras for the first time you are probably interested in knowing what type of food that you will be exposed to. Is it good food? Is it too exotic? Is it something ill like? Well we will take a few moments to explore some of the delicious and wonderful food and drink you will experience in Honduras.
Do You Have a Guardian Angel?
By: Kadmiel | 21/07/2009 | ChristianityToday there is a strong belief in Guarding Angels and this belief stems from centuries of lore. But, do guardian Angels really exist? Have they been known to come to the aid of those in discomfort? Why is it that they tend to appear to some but not others? Do you believe in guarding angels or do you have one of your own? If so, how can you find out? And how can you contact yours?
Top Historical Places in Uruaguay
By: Kadmiel | 12/07/2009 | TravelUraguay has many attractions and places of interest for visitors to explore and learn about the country’s history and culture. The capital, Montevideo, has places to captivate the imagination as well as the beaches that tourists can relax and take in the sun.
Top Historical Places in Chile
By: Kadmiel | 12/07/2009 | TravelIn the heart of Santiago, the capital of Chile, is the Plaza de Armas. The square is the historical centre of the city and surrounded by Spanish colonial buildings, including the 18th Century Cathedral and the elaborate main post office which was once the Spanish governor’s residence. The square is the hub of life in the city, always a busy place with local artists in the day and evening activities to be found too. Along with many more historical places...