Chaparrastique

So, for a little history, we toured San Miguel’s central district, which naturally includes the main Catholic church. In the center stood the figure of La Reina de la Paz (the Queen of Peace), the city’s representative virgin. The story goes that a ship wrecked in the Fonseca Gulf, and in the wreckage they found a wooden box. The people tried and tried to open the box hoping to find some kind of treasure, but no matter what they did, it wouldn’t open. The box was transported to San Miguel by a cart and burro, and when the burro could go no further, it stopped, the box fell off the cart and broke open, right at the spot where the Catholic church now stands today. Inside the box was a figure of a virgin, which became the Reina de la Paz.

Years later, when the Volcano called Chaparrastique last erupted, the city was nearly destroyed by lava. The people brought the figure of the virgin to the door of the church where the lava flow stopped and protected the city’s historic center. The plume of smoke and ash that was visible from the volcano looked like a palm frond, and so today, the figure of the virgin holds a palm made of gold.

This history is representative of the region…there are few historic buildings in part because many of them have been damaged or destroyed by hurricanes, earthquakes, and volcanoes. We also visited the local theater yesterday, which likewise was almost torn down because it was in such disrepair. However, it was fully restored, and is a beautiful building that copies French architectural styles.

We’ve enjoyed our time here in El Salvador, and today move on to Nicaragua, so stay tuned!

Amy