The Legislative Assembly of El Salvador declared the dance group Los Talcigüienes Intangible Cultural Heritage of El Salvador. The act was attended by representatives of the different parliamentary groups and the Secretary of Culture of the Presidency, Dr. Ramón Rivas.

The official declaration ceremony was held near the Palacio Azul on 24 February. It was attended by representatives of the dance group and members of the Committee of Talcigüines of Texistepeque.

"With this Decree No. 689- will intend to have these traditions endure forever. There is a collective consciousness of having stronger cultural identity, "said Vice President of the Legislative Assembly, Francisco Merino.

In addition, the president of the Committee of Talcigüines of Texistepeque, Maria Magdalena Murillo, appreciated the recognition of the tradition originating from the west of the country. "This recognition does not acknowledge just Texistepeque but the whole El Salvador in order to keep the culture alive," Murillo said.

The ceremony Talcigüines is an ancient tradition celebrated every "Holy Monday" during Easter in the municipality of Texistepeque, department of Santa Ana.

The word talcigüin means devilish man which is why the characters wear red and follow the visitors, to the sound of a bell and lashes in order to “clean the sins."

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