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Playing cards have been with us since the 14th century, when they first entered popular culture. Over the centuries packs of cards, in all shapes and sizes, have been used for games, gambling, education, conjuring, advertising, fortune telling, political messages or the portrayal of national or ethnic identity. All over the world, whatever language is spoken, their significance is universal. Their popularity is also due to the imaginative artwork and graphic design which is sometimes overlooked, and the “then & now” of how things have changed.

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Salvador

5 Articles

Naipes ‘El Borrego’

Naipes ‘El Borrego’ Spanish-suited playing cards manufactured in El Salvador, c.2002

Naipes ‘El Borrego’

Naipes Hispasa

Naipes ‘Hispasa’, produced in El Salvador by Cartotecnica Centroamericana, S.A., c.2002

Naipes Hispasa

Naipes Cisne

Although the wrapper gives the manufacturer's address in Sevilla, Spain, the cards were most likely manufactured in El Salvador by a local printer imitating Spanish cards

Naipes Cisne

Playing Cards in El Salvador

Cards were first imported to Central America from Spain, although local production has always existed. Today El Salvador has some local production of playing cards, which are often of rudimentary quality.

Playing Cards in El Salvador

Latin American Playing Cards

Playing cards had been introduced to the Americas with explorers such as Columbus or Cortés, whose fellow countrymen were keen gamblers. Cards were imported from Spain since the 16th century. Local production usually imitated Spanish cards.

Latin American Playing Cards