History

The pipils founded the small town of Tecapa in the center of these highlands in the XVII century. The name of Tecapa was substituted by Alegria in 1891.

Thne ame Alegría comes from an Educator called José Miguel Alegría, who was a respectable person that contributed to the education, wellness and development of this town. In 1838, he founded a philosophy school in the town. Alegría in Spanish means happiness. Many places are an important part of the history of this amazing town.

The Lagoon

The lagoon is located in the crater of Tecapa. It is a national protected area. This place is also known as “America’s Emerald” thanks to Gabriela Mistral, a winner of nobel prize in literature. The legend says that there is a mermaid there, and she lures men that swim there to their deaths.

Alberto Masferrer’s House

One of the historic places of this town is Alberto Maferrer’s house. Alberto Masferrer was a Salvadorian writer who was born in Alegría. Some of his important works are: el dinero maldito, Minimum Vital, etc. Nowadays its house is a cultural and historic reference of his life.