Concepcion Quezaltepeque

Concepcion Quezaltepeque in northern Chalatenango is the hammock town: a large proportion of households weave them, on frames set up in yards and front rooms, using nylon and cotton cord in bright colours, in the mesh and the woven-cloth styles, from single to family size, and the work is visible as you walk the streets. The craft is a cooperative and family business, and pieces are bought directly from the makers at a fraction of what they cost elsewhere. An annual hammock festival in November brings the makers together with competitions and sales. The town is small and set in the hills, and the reservoir of Cerron Grande lies below it.

History

Concepción Quezaltepeque belonged to the department of San Salvador from 12 June 1824, to Cuscatlán from 22 May 1835, and to Chalatenango from 14 February 1855; by a law of 18 February 1841 it formed one of the country's electoral cantons together with La Junta, and a legislative decree of 6 July 1938 gave it the title of villa (Wikipedia, Concepción Quezaltepeque).

Highlights

• Hammock weaving - the frames and the work in yards and front rooms.
• The colours and styles - the mesh and woven versions in different sizes.
• Direct sales - the pieces bought from the makers themselves.
• The November festival - the annual hammock event.

When to go

November to April in the dry season; the hammock festival in November is when the town is fullest. Weekday mornings are when weavers are working. The town is quiet otherwise.

What to expect

The town has no other draw and takes a couple of hours. Weaving is domestic and visiting means approaching households, which should be done politely. Prices are negotiated. Facilities are minimal.

Nearby

Chalatenango lies south; La Palma is north.