The City of Colorful Textiles: San Sebastian, El Salvador

Love weaves itself from hundreds of threads

-David Levithan

Great quote about love, weaving and threads by David Levithan.

 

El Salvador may be the smallest nation in Central America and it sure has gone through turbulent times in the past and even now. However it still does not receive the media coverage or gets the credit and attention it truly deserves.

How do I know? Well, as I’ve already shared with you in previous stories, it has so much more to offer than what you see on the news. From art towns, to black sand beaches, culture, rich history, natural beauty, stunning Mayan temples, strong religious beliefs and so much more! As the slogan of the Minister of Tourism says, it truly is impressive!

Last time I went to my home country, I decided to explore as much as possible and made plans for several road trips (you know that I live for them, if I knew how to drive in the midst of chaos I would sit behind the wheel).

You probably know by now that I am a very creative soul and am very interested in anything that has to do with the arts in all its forms. That is why I was delighted to find out that there was a route created specifically, La Ruta Artesanal or Artisanal Route, which invites visitors both local and foreign to discover different points of attractions such as eco tourism sites, charming and peaceful artisan towns that are dedicated to creating many products that make them famous countrywide and around the world.

After visiting Ilobasco, known for its ceramic and clay products, we headed over to The City of Colorful Textiles: San Sebastián, El Salvador. 

This small town located approximately 50 kilometers northeast of the capital, San Salvador.

San Sebastian, El Salvador, Central America, map, mapa

It is known for its production of high quality, colorful, patterned textiles to make clothes, scarves, tablecloths, place mats, blankets, throws, mats, hammocks, purses and handbags among many.

The most interesting fact is that no industrial machines are used to produce them but the traditional Telares or large wooden looms that are powered by a human power. Just the way it has been done for over two centuries!

We visited one workshop and watched an artisan or weaver at work. It was such an incredible experience to see them do what they know with a lot of passion and dedication.

I invite you to come along for a colorful tour of the weaving process right before your eyes.

Enjoy!

street, San Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

textile, store, workshop, San-Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

Loom,  San Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

colorful threads, weaving,  San Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

closeup, colorful threads, weaving,  San Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

artesano, artisan,  San Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

artisan, artesano,  San Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

white threads, threads,  San Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

patterned, weaving,  San Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

colorful threads, weaving,  San Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

turquoise and white threads, weaving,  San Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

I simply could not leave without purchasing some souvenirs to bring back home of course! I do support local businesses and artisans, so what do you think I got? 🙂

A pink scarf

Karla, pink scarf, weaving,  San Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

A colorful, flowery and unique handbag as well as a couple of purses!

handbags, handmade bags, purses, weaving,  San Sebastian, El Salvador, central america, ruta artesanal, travel, photography

Every time I use them, I simply remember where they were made and that brings a smile to my face 🙂

I hope you liked learning more about The City of Colorful Textiles: San Sebastián, El Salvador. 

Love textile arts? Then come on a photography tour in The City of Colorful Textiles: San Sebastián, El Salvador!

Now it’s your turn.

I want to know,

 

Have you ever traveled to a town just for its art, history or culture?

If so, where did you go?

If you haven’t yet, would you like to visit one?

 

Tell me more about it!

Until next time,

Les deseo todo lo mejor, I wish you all the best.

Love,

Kay

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10 thoughts on “The City of Colorful Textiles: San Sebastian, El Salvador

    • I’m happy you liked it!

      I am an artsy kind of person and being able to see someone create something wonderful like this warms my heart!

      I still can’t believe they still operate as they did centuries ago! They do keep the tradition alive and it’s just great.

      Thanks for stopping by!

  1. Hola!
    Acabo de ver tu documento por parte de la página “Latinaish”. Muy bueno. Soy maestra de español para estudiantes de séptimo grado y este año ellos harán un viaje a Washington, DC como parte de las naciones unidas para representar a El Salvador. Ahorita están estudiando varios temas sobre el país con otras maestras, pero para nuestra clase de español, me gustan los temas que representan la gente en vida diaria y describen la ciudad. Tienes algunos de tus documentos escritos en español? Me gustaría compartirlos con los alumnos. O conoces de vídeos en línea?

    Gracias y buena suerte en tus aventuras!
    Rosa L, desde San José, CA

    • Muchas gracias por su visita Rosa!

      Qué alegria saber que sus estudiantes iran a visitar a la capital, DC!

      Aun no tengo mi sitio en Español pero encontrara varios posts sobre El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala en mi blog. Ojala le guste!

      Si encuentro excelentes sitios de referencia los compartiré con usted.

      De nuevo muchas gracias 🙂

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  4. Just found this blog post, and I thought it was really cool it definitely brought me back to my time in El Salvador… I was there last summer. I visited Ilobasco for about a few hours and loved seeing all the pretty things they had to offer.

    Quisiera saber si en estos lugares como San Sebastian y Ilobasco se ofrece talleres de artesanía de cualquier tipo para extranjeros?

    Thank you 🙂

    • Thank you!

      Glad you went to El Salvador and spent some time in charming towns such as Ilobasco.

      As far as I know there are workshops open to visitors, you just need to ask.

      The one I went to was in La Palma, where I painted my own wood souvenirs. That’s because I love trying out colors and I am willing to experiment 🙂

      I appreciate your visit!

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