“Añil”: Art, Identity, and Local Development

Azul Originario, El Salvador

In Juayúa, Sonsonate, the organization Azul Originario has launched a training program focused on the ancestral art of añil dyeing—a practice that connects communities with their history and creativity. 

In coordination with the Council of Indigenous Communities of Juayúa, this initiative brings together 15 local ventures to strengthen cultural identity and promote economic empowerment among Indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.

Through product innovation and artistic techniques, ancestral knowledge is being revitalized and passed down to new generations. 

More than just technical training, the project has deeply reinforced cultural pride, with participants now proudly incorporating their heritage into each handcrafted piece.

This initiative not only enriches local cultural heritage but also creates sustainable income opportunities, transforming añil art into a powerful tool for family and community development.