San Salvador religious procession draws thousands despite storm

Thousands of Salvadorans gathered in Plaza Barrios to celebrate the Transfiguration of Christ, known as the Divine Savior of the World, in the historic centre of San Salvador. The procession, which began at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and moved along Rubén Darío street to the Metropolitan Cathedral, continued despite a sudden half‑hour rainstorm with strong winds, and the crowd sang hymns and national songs as the image of Christ was carried by 80 men.

The government of President Nayib Bukele reiterated its commitment to ensure the celebrations occur in a safe environment. Officials from the National Civil Protection System were deployed at strategic points, and health and rescue personnel remained on standby. The event was presided over by Cardinal Gregorio Rosa Chávez and Archbishop José Luis Escobar Alas, who led the religious rites and the subsequent patronal mass.