The Legacy of Carlos Barrios
La Dalia, at its origin in 1885, was located in a thriving and exclusive commercial district of San Salvador: an area that reflected the height of opulence in a flourishing capital city shaped by European style. However, the building’s original wooden structure was destroyed by a fire in the early 1900s. It was later rebuilt in 1915 as what was then called a "cement and iron" structure, or reinforced concrete, under the architectural direction of the Italian firm A&A Farracutti. The new building was intended to house a department store and serve as the Club Español, a place that, years later, would also become the headquarters of the national Press Club. Ultimately, this Art Nouveau–influenced building would become home to the business that would define its identity and bring it to life, establishing it from that point on as a flagship of entertainment within the Historic Center.
The social changes that swept through the country became a driving force in bringing new dynamics to the area. This led to a wave of migration: some people moved out of the Historic Center toward the outskirts of the capital, while others from across the country migrated into the city center. It was within this shifting context that Club La Dalia took on the task of adapting to change, transforming from a venue once frequented by the upper class to one that would welcome the working class.
For many years, La Dalia, guided by the principles of resilience, remained standing—almost in a slumber—waiting for the perfect moment to rise again. La Dalia also followed a very unique social process in which it played a vital role in laying cultural foundations. Its former owner and administrator, Mr. Carlos Barrios (affectionately known as “El Playo”), carried a vision that went far beyond simply keeping a billiards hall running. He sought to help others and to build a family within the establishment. That’s why, to this day, his name is still spoken with nostalgia, affection, respect, and admiration. After his passing, La Dalia was passed on to his daughter.
In 2010, Mr. José Luis Villeda took the reins of the business, playing a key role in its evolution. La Dalia has faced many challenges along the way, and through the power of art and culture, it managed to push back against the negative and antisocial activities that had taken root in the Historic Center of San Salvador—creating a different kind of control within the venue. By 2018, Club Social La Dalia had formed a team of people committed to supporting the revival of the Historic Center and preserving the legacy of the place with a strong foundation to continue the work that has been carried out uninterruptedly for more than eight decades, resulting in a historic milestone for our country.
This is, therefore, a story of life. It's about revitalizing this cultural space for what it truly is: a place where musicians and poets, writers and painters come together with their audience. It also offers music and dancing as part of its many charms—for the passerby, the regular visitor coming for a game, or simply to enjoy the view of Plaza Libertad and its surroundings.
La Dalia Billiard Hall, which in its golden years welcomed legendary figures such as Pedro Infante, Luis Aguilar, and Lucha Villa, as well as Aniceto Porsisoca, Alfredo Espino, Claudia Lars, Salarrué, and many other iconic personalities, became an unparalleled space—rich with stories, where generations and social classes come together to enjoy the same atmosphere.
