La Matanza- Support 93 years of Indigenous Resistance

Who We Are:

This is on behalf of Nantzin Juliana Ama De Chile, Jose Feliciano Foundation, the Cunas Nawat, and Consejo Ancestral Torogoz of Southern California.

Background:

We are raising funds to commemorate the 93rd anniversary of the La Matanza—the tragic 1932 Ethnocide of tens of thousands of Indigenous people from Kuxkatan, now known as Western El Salvador. As part of our annual commemorations, we honor Tata Feliciano Ama, a prominent Indigenous leader of the Tecpan Itzalcu (Izalco) Nawat People and a key figure in January 1932. He called our people to defend their rights to communal lands and to uphold our dignity. However, he was executed by the coffee oligarchs who took the land from our people. His body was hung on a tree in a park for several days as a warning to others.

His leadership and tireless resistance in defending the rights of Indigenous communities continue to inspire generations. His legacy lives on through this commemoration and the ongoing work of Nantzin Juliana Ama De Chile.

Importance:

Every year, we lose more survivors and witnesses of the tragedies experienced by our grandparents, elders, and relatives who can share firsthand accounts. Many of our ancestors and relatives who lost their lives did not receive proper burials and were buried in unmarked graves. With so few Indigenous elders left in our community, we must continue our practice of oral traditions to keep their memories alive.

It is a common misconception that Kuxkatan (aka. El Salvador) is not home to Indigenous people. Therefore, we continue to fight for recognition, keep our traditions alive, honor our ancestors, and preserve our history. Preserving Indigenous culture is essential not only for maintaining the rich traditions and myriad of native languages across Kuxkatan and Manawara but also for celebrating the resilience of our Indigenous peoples, which has endured despite this painful chapter.

When: The 2025 commemoration of La Matanza will take place on Saturday, January 25, 2025, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Parque El Llanito, Distrito Izalco, Sonsonate, El Salvador.

Support Our Sacred Effort: Suggested Donation Tiers

We invite you to participate in this meaningful work by contributing to our goal of raising $6,000 to cover the costs of hosting this important event. Your generosity will ensure that we continue to make these events free and accessible for everyone in our community.

Ucelut (Jaguar): $100+

The jaguar, a symbol of strength, leadership, and resilience, represents those who significantly contribute to our shared mission.

Masat (Venado): $50–$100

The deer, embodying grace, balance, wisdom, and humility, is vital to the work of remembrance and renewal.

Tututxin (Pajarito): $1–$50

The little bird, a messenger of hope and connection, reminds us that every offering, no matter the size, contributes to the strength of our community.

How Your Donation Will Help:

Ceremonial items: offerings including honey, incense, flowers, seeds, fatwood & wood, 300+ candles, and other essential ceremonial instruments

Food and beverage: Sopa de Chilayo (Veal spicy soup), meat, vegetables, fruit, coffee, sugar, milk, pan de tusa, tamales, water,

Logistics & supplies: transportation for elders, preparation of the space, decorations, banners, musical instruments, musical groups, performers, large soup cauldrons, cups, plates, napkins, silverware, food prep items, wood, comal, tables, and other essential costs related to the event.

This event continues to grow in prominence and attracts more participants worldwide each year. Regardless of size, every contribution brings us closer to making this anniversary possible.

Padiux, padiux,padiux for helping us keep our history and traditions alive!