Elves, queens and mythological beings on Tuesday paraded through the streets of El Salvador, in annual celebrations for the Central American country’s patron saint and namesake.
The Salvador del Mundo (Savior of the World) festivities honor Christian and local mythological traditions. This year saw thousands of people gather for a procession in the capital, San Salvador, accompanied by parade floats and bands.
“We have always attended with my family to see the parade, it is part of our culture that should not be missed,” Reina Carpio, 54, told reporters while attending the parade with her husband and three children.
Photo: AFP
The parade was led by people dressed as creatures from Salvadoran mythology, such as the siguanaba, a cursed female being, or the cadejo, a black, dog-like animal with large fangs.
Queens adorned in multicolored flowers threw sweets to those in the audience, while elves and other fantastic beings showed off for passersby.
Each year, parades, children’s events and sporting competitions are held as part of the festivities, typically under an increased police presence.
Photo: EPA-EFE
The celebrations this year are taking place under an anti-gang “state of emergency,” in place since March last year.
The director of Civil Protection, Luis Amaya, said that about 42,000 personnel — including police officers, firefighters and medical workers — were monitoring events this year.
The festivities are to conclude on Sunday with a mass officiated by all of the country’s bishops in San Salvador cathedral.
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