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I just wrapped up my third trip to El Salvador in a year, and wow, what a difference! The country is truly changing — not just on the surface, but deep down in how folks are living, thinking, and dreaming about their future. A pivotal moment for me was at the end of the week during a private dinner with President Nayib Bukele, and I couldn’t feel luckier to have been part of it.
I’ve been following his journey for a while now. I’ve even interviewed nine Salvadorans and expats on my podcast, along with merchants, builders, grassroots organizers, and everyday heroes. Just last year, I tweeted my wish to meet him one day!
I was totally surprised when I approached him to snap a photo and introduced myself. Before I could even finish, he said, “I know you, I’ve seen your podcast!”
It was one of those unforgettable moments, making the entire week feel intertwined with the bigger story of transformation happening in El Salvador.
The Three Layers of a Nation in Motion
During the week, three key events unfolded — Reclaiming Health, Adopting Bitcoin, and Bitcoin Histórico — each peeling back a layer of El Salvador’s exciting journey.
The “Reclaiming Health Symposium,” led by Dr. Kenneth Fernández-Taylor, dived into the link between good health and financial stability. Discussion focused on how unstable money can create stress and uncertainty, affecting long-term health. In a country reclaiming both safety and economic freedom, the connection felt real and vital. Just four years ago, during those chaotic pandemic times, a health symposium like this seemed like a distant dream, but here in El Salvador, dreams truly are coming to life.
At the “Adopting Bitcoin” event, I witnessed the grassroots movement driving this transformation. Initiatives like Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte are real examples of how communities are thriving by earning, spending, and saving in Bitcoin. Groups like “Bitcoin Babies,” “Les Femmes Orange,” and “La Crypta” remind us that Bitcoin is for everyone. Merchants are embracing it seamlessly, and kids are growing up around it! “My First Bitcoin” is gearing up to support over 70 projects in 40 countries with community-led Bitcoin education and resources. Everywhere I turned, founders were launching businesses right here, echoing the same simple message: you can do things here.
Historic Moment For Bitcoin & El Salvador
The highlight of the week was definitely “Bitcoin Histórico.” This was the first Bitcoin conference ever led by a government, organized by the Bitcoin Office, with the brilliant Stacy Herbert at the helm. It took place in the majestic National Palace and the National Theater, locations filled with significance. Holding a Bitcoin conference in such a grand space spoke volumes beyond any speech. The halls buzzed with ministers, entrepreneurs, and speakers from across the globe; the vibe was electric! Guests received booklets titled “El Salvador is Bitcoin Country,” proudly featuring Bukele’s photo on the cover, making it clear: Bitcoin is not just a side note here, it is a national priority.
Outside, in Plaza Gerardo Barrios, the excitement spread to the streets; sessions were streamed with Spanish translation for locals, who were there with their families, students, and elders. Shop owners embraced Bitcoin, showing it as a natural part of city life, and the community felt like a vital part of the conference.
Several important announcements highlighted the country’s progress, such as the Ministry of Agriculture teaming up with The Beef Initiative to boost local cattle production. Plus, Steak ’n Shake announced it would open in El Salvador as its first Latin American location, ready to accept Bitcoin right from day one!
The El Salvador government has taken a bold step by purchasing Nvidia B300 chips. These powerful little guys can help train and run advanced AI models right in the heart of the country, with a little help from Hydra Host. This development is paving the way for a sovereign computing infrastructure that lessens dependence on the tech giants’ data centers, positioning El Salvador to foster its own AI capabilities.
In a burst of exciting news, Mempool revealed its decision to incorporate in El Salvador, thanks to a recent $17 million investment. Plus, with the backing of Lina Seiche and the Bitcoin Office, the country is launching a fantastic initiative to renovate 500 classrooms, all designed to enhance Bitcoin and financial education through the “Two Schools a Day” program. This initiative is all about transforming and expanding the educational landscape. It’s clear that El Salvador is making big moves to secure its future on multiple fronts!
Ricardo Salinas’ visit to Histórico brought an extra layer of excitement. In his speech, he confidently stated, “El Salvador is on the right side of history.” He highlighted remarkable improvements in public safety, claiming, “You’ve got better security than Japan. I wish my country could be like this!” Many participants echoed this sentiment throughout the week, feeling a sense of optimism.
The Presidential Dinner
The most revealing glimpse into El Salvador’s future happened during a memorable dinner.
President Bukele is quite the character—definitely not the international stereotype some might expect! He’s quick-witted, humorous, and fully immersed in Bitcoin culture. When he sat down for dinner, he jokingly announced, “Guys, it’s over, Bitcoin’s done,” because the price had taken a dip below $100k that day. Unlike typical politicians who tend to stick to rehearsed lines, he genuinely understands the room—and Bitcoin!
As the chat shifted to the long-term vision for Bitcoin, he shared a thought that stuck with me: “Bitcoin should be a currency.” Not just an investment or an asset, but a bona fide currency! He’s got a clear vision for where he wants to take things and knows the steps to get there. Bukele discussed the idea of circular economies—like El Zonte and Berlin—highlighting that communities using Bitcoin every day are essential for it to transition from concept to functioning economy.
His humor was just as enlightening as his insights. When introducing Giacomo Zucco, Director of Plan B Network, as an anarcho-capitalist, Bukele playfully replied, “That’s cool, I’m friends with Milei,” calling him “the anarchist” throughout dinner. After receiving a katana as a gift and a bottle of rum named “Dictador” from Giacomo (a cheeky jab at media narratives), someone remembered that Bukele doesn’t drink. He quipped back, “It’s fine, I don’t often fight with swords either!”
As the dinner wrapped up, Giacomo expressed his gratitude, and Bukele smiled, saying something that perfectly encapsulates his governance style: “I’m sorry if I run a government. But it’s a very small one.”
Happy People Whistle
I’ve traveled through many places that are heading down a darker path: more surveillance, more control, and increased violence. But in El Salvador, it feels like the opposite is happening—safety without oppression, structure without stifling, and freedom combined with responsibility. After years of living under the thumb of violent gangs, the people of El Salvador finally feel free. You can see it in their smiles; they are kind, relaxed, and truly grateful. On a previous visit, I saw a 75-year-old man biking through El Zonte at sunrise, whistling away. It hit me: “When do people whistle?” I realized, “Happy people whistle. They whistle when they feel safe!” This simple moment has stuck with me as my metaphor for this wonderful place.
Sure, the country still engages with global institutions like the IMF. The recent decision to repeal bitcoin as legal tender was a bummer, but when you look deeper, it feels like one step back and four steps forward. While progress may seem uneven, the direction is clear—there’s a strong push for monetary, digital, educational, and civic sovereignty, all moving us forward.
This week gave me an amazing insight into a nation working hard to rebuild itself.
While many other countries wrestle with economic struggles, security issues, and fragile social structures influenced by global agendas, El Salvador is reinventing its reality and stepping into a brighter future.
And meeting President Bukele felt less like a typical encounter and more like meeting the visionary behind a nation eager to embrace its freedom and lead the charge.
This is a guest post by Efrat Fenigson. Opinions expressed are entirely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of BTC Inc or Bitcoin Magazine.