Juayúa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Juayúa
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Municipality
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 Juayúa
Location in El Salvador
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| Country |  El Salvador |
| Department | Sonsonate |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 39.79 sq mi (103.06 km2) |
| Elevation | 3,480 ft (1,060 m) |
| Population | |
| • Municipality | 70,959 |
Juayúa is a cool city and municipality in the mountains of El Salvador. It's part of the Sonsonate area and was started way back in 1577. You can find Juayúa in the western part of El Salvador, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from the capital city, San Salvador.
Contents
A Look Back: Juayúa's History
Juayúa has a long history, going back to the time of the Pipil people before Europeans arrived. Around the year 1550, about 300 people lived here. By 1577, it became a special town where Franciscan priests taught about their faith.
Towards the end of the 1500s, these religious leaders brought a special statue to Juayúa. It was similar to the famous Black Christ statue in Esquipulas, Guatemala. They built the first small church, or "hermitage," for this statue. This was the beginning of what would become the important Santa Lucía Church.
Exploring the Santa Lucía Church
Right in the center of town, you'll see the amazing Santa Lucía Church. Inside, it has a special statue of a black Christ. This statue is like a "sister" to the one in the famous Esquipulas Basilica in Guatemala. A talented artist named Quirio Cantaño carved this statue in the late 1500s.
Over the years, the church building has been rebuilt three times.
- The first church was made of adobe, a type of mud brick, but an earthquake destroyed it.
- The second church was built from wood in a fancy style called neoclassical. Sadly, a fire burned it down.
- The third and current church stands in the same spot. It was finished in 1957.
Discovering Juayúa: Top Tourist Spots
Juayúa has become a very popular place for visitors from El Salvador and other countries. People love its beautiful mountain views, fun events, and because it's part of the famous "La Ruta de Las Flores" (The Route of Flowers) tourist trail.
Taste the Flavors: The Food Festival
The Juayúa Food Festival, also known as "Feria Gastronómica," brings in hundreds of tourists every weekend. It takes place outdoors in the main town square. Local restaurants set up stalls and offer many delicious traditional dishes. You can try tasty chicken soup, pupusas (a thick corn tortilla filled with cheese or other ingredients), yuca with pork, tamales (corn dough wrapped in leaves), and fresh seafood.
Nature's Beauty: Los Chorros de la Calera Waterfall
The Los Chorros de La Calera waterfall is a cool place to visit just outside the city. It's a popular hike that takes you through pretty coffee farms. It's a great spot to enjoy nature and see some amazing waterfalls.
Art and History: Colonial Architecture and Murals
Juayúa has many old buildings with beautiful colonial architecture. You'll also find amazing art displays right on the streets! The walls of cafes, restaurants, and shops are covered with colorful murals painted by local artists. These paintings show everything from dream-like scenes to realistic pictures.
One of the most famous art features in Juayúa is called La Ruta de Flores, which means "the route of flowers." Along this route, many walls, posts, and signs are painted with lovely flower designs, making the town even more vibrant.
More Fun Things to Do in Juayúa
On weekends, the city offers many activities for visitors. There's also a coffee museum nearby where you can learn all about coffee. The area around Juayúa is full of coffee farms, like the Larin finca farm, where you can see how coffee is grown.
Juayúa's Culture and Traditions
The biggest celebration in Juayúa is the patron saint festival, honoring the Black Christ. It happens every year from January 1st to the 15th. During this time, many people visit Juayúa, just like they do in Esquipulas, Guatemala. They come to give thanks for all the good things that happened to them in the past year. It's a time for faith, community, and celebration.
See Also
In Spanish: Juayúa para niños
