Any person who visits San Salvador would talk about its natural treasures and unadulterated, unmixed beauty. But the country of El Salvador is not just a country of natural treasure but also an undiscovered treasure trove of culture and traditions. As a person further ventures deeper into the areas around the capital city of San Salvador, they will come across different forms of art and craft which reflect the Salvadoran culture.
One of these little known places is the town of Nahuizalco which is 74 km away from San Salvador. It is a part of the Sonsonate Department and is located on the Ruta de las Flores which means the route of flowers. The name of this town ‘Nahuizalco’ means place of four Izalcos in the traditional Nahuat language. It is believed that Nahuizalco was founded by four families belonging to the neighboring town of Izalco. It is a town of indigenous culture and the last vestige of the Nahuat culture. Very few people speak the traditional language fluently while the others speak Spanish, yet their linkage to their culture is evident in the massive production of arts and crafts here.
The signature furniture and wicker baskets produced in Nahuizalco are famous all over El Salvador. The artists here create artifacts and handcrafts out of natural fibers like wicker and tule. The furniture has impressing exquisite hand carvings in shot, bay and cedar wood. There is furniture made out of wicker and tule also. The wicker and tule are used to make handcrafts from variety of baskets to rocking horses. The sight of the market is delightful and it seems as if everyone in the town makes furniture or handcrafts.
People who are passing this town stop by to purchase the unique furniture and wicker creations. The prices are reasonable here; lower than the handcrafts market and malls located in San Salvador. There articles can be easily found in the shops lining the main road during the week or in weekend markets at Nahuizalco. People can stroll through the market and also have a look at the local artisans working in their workshops. Arte y Mueble is one of the best shops whose furniture is hand crafted by its owner and is a blend of traditional and modern designs. His works also reflect inspiration from nature. Another famous shop for its wooden masks, art and jewelry is the Artesanias Cassal.
People can get their furniture shipped to their home in any part of the world, so they need not worry about how to carry the furniture back home. This town was also famous for its ‘candle market’ where streets selling the wicker and tule products were lit using candles only at night.
The lovely town of Nahuizalco and its signature furniture, basketry creations is worth a visit when a person visits San Salvador.
