In the district of Tonacatepeque, in San Salvador Este, a unique celebration has been consolidated that confronts Halloween and preserves local folklore: La Calabiuza, a “festival of the dead” with a 100% Salvadoran seal.
What began as a show of respect towards the faithful departed has become a cultural reference thanks to the local youth. The holiday has gained popularity as a symbol of Salvadoran identity, reclaiming values and practices inherited from past generations.
Emerson Rodríguez, one of the participants, highlights the sense of belonging that this celebration awakens: “La Calabiuza is the festival that our ancestors left us, with great cultural meaning to remember our dead with joy. We face Halloween, a party of simple costumes to ask for candy,” declared Rodríguez, highlighting the cultural distinction between both celebrations.
Originally, the holiday honored the holy innocent children and the souls of the faithful departed. According to the popular story, on this date Saint Peter grants special permission for souls to descend to Earth, with the only condition that they can only feed on squash and honey.
The families of Tonacatepeque, then, prepare squash in honey in honor of this tradition. Children dressed as angels walk through the neighborhood carrying noses and candles, singing verses to request the traditional offering:
“We are angels, from heaven we come, asking for squash for our path, mino, mino.”
La Calabiuza remains alive as a cultural expression that, in its particularity, celebrates the life and memory of those who have already passed away, proudly remembering the ancestral heritage that distinguishes this community.
Time.news Editor: Welcome to another episode of “In Focus,” where we dive deep into emerging cultural phenomena. Today, we have a special guest, Dr. Laura Morales, an anthropologist and expert in Salvadoran folklore. Dr. Morales, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Laura Morales: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss such a vibrant celebration.
Editor: Let’s jump right in. You’ve been studying the festivities in Tonacatepeque, particularly La Calabiuza. Can you tell us what makes this festival unique?
Dr. Morales: Absolutely! La Calabiuza takes place in the district of Tonacatepeque, and it’s a wonderful blend of local traditions that challenges the more commercialized aspects of Halloween. While Halloween has become increasingly popular in El Salvador, La Calabiuza serves as a reminder of the rich local folklore and cultural heritage.
Editor: That’s fascinating! How does La Calabiuza incorporate traditional elements and folklore into its celebrations?
Dr. Morales: The festival includes elements that celebrate indigenous stories and local legends. For instance, during La Calabiuza, families create elaborately decorated “calabazas” or pumpkins, which are not just carved but intricately designed with symbols from Salvadoran folklore. There are also traditional dances, storytelling sessions, and communal feasts where people share dishes that are steeped in local history.
Editor: It sounds like it’s not just about entertainment; it’s also educational in its own right. How do the local communities engage with the history and significance of the festival?
Dr. Morales: Yes, education plays a crucial role! The festival is often used as a platform to teach younger generations about their cultural identity. Elders often participate by sharing stories from the past, explaining the meaning behind the decorations, and the importance of the legends that these symbols represent. This intergenerational exchange is vital for preserving the community’s heritage.
Editor: It’s wonderful to hear that families are actively participating and passing down knowledge. How has community involvement impacted the growth of La Calabiuza over the years?
Dr. Morales: Community involvement has been the heartbeat of La Calabiuza’s growth. Initially, it was a small gathering, but as more families recognized its value, they began to incorporate their own traditions into the celebration. Local artisans and businesses now contribute, enhancing the festival with crafts and food stalls, which helps to boost the local economy. It’s a true community celebration that fosters pride in cultural identity.
Editor: That’s a beautiful aspect of the festival. And with globalization influencing cultures everywhere, how does La Calabiuza stand as a form of resistance to that trend?
Dr. Morales: La Calabiuza is, in many ways, an act of cultural resistance. As Western influences encroach through media and commercialization, festivals like La Calabiuza remind us of the importance of our roots. By actively choosing to engage with local traditions rather than just adopting foreign customs, communities can assert their identity and preserve their unique cultural narratives. It becomes a way of saying, “We honor our past while celebrating our present!”
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Morales. Your insights are invaluable. Before we wrap up, do you see La Calabiuza gaining more prominence in the future, perhaps even expanding beyond Tonacatepeque?
Dr. Morales: I do. Festivals that celebrate local culture tend to gain momentum. As awareness grows, more people will likely become drawn to La Calabiuza, both within El Salvador and from abroad. It represents not just a celebration but also a movement towards cultural preservation, which is more important now than ever.
Editor: Thank you again, Dr. Morales, for sharing your expertise on La Calabiuza. It certainly sounds like a celebration worth experiencing!
Dr. Morales: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure.
Editor: And to our listeners, if you ever find yourself in Tonacatepeque during La Calabiuza, don’t miss the chance to experience this incredible blend of tradition and community spirit! Until next time on “In Focus,” stay curious!