Arlandria-Chirilagua in Alexandria, VA
Welcome to Arlandria-Chirilagua, a small but bustling community just north of Del Ray. “Arlandria” references its location right on the border of Alexandria and Arlington, while “Chirilagua” pays homage to the municipality in southeastern El Salvador from which many of the residents and their families hail. Learn more about this diverse and vibrant corner of Alexandria below.
Things to Do in Arlandria-Chirilagua
Spanning just one to two square miles, Arlandria-Chirilagua is packed with ways to spend the day.
- Catch a concert at The Birchmere: America’s Legendary Music Hall. The historic supper club has hosted acts for 50+ years, ranging from up-and-coming artists to nostalgic acts. View the incredible hall of headshots displaying past performers, from Ray Charles to Linda Ronstadt.
- View the murals on display at the Tenants and Workers United building, by artist MasPaz and local youth artists.
- Sample a taste of Central America with pupusas, horchata and authentic dishes from local restaurants such as El Pulgarcito.
- Unwind at Hops N Shine, featuring an inviting beer garden and special events such as trivia, live music and karaoke nights.
- Visit the Four Mile Run Farmers’ Market on Sundays.
Arlandria-Chirilagua Restaurants
Find top-rated Cajun eats, hearty Nepalese fare and Salvadoran specialties.
Bustling Veronica’s Bakery specializes in Latin American Pastries, desserts and cakes, as well as Salvadorian, Mexican and Honduran traditional cuisine. Choose from a wide selection of panes dulces like conchas, orejas and churros or try a savory Honduran baleada.
Pictured: Rebecca Salinas, Co-Owner of Veronica’s Bakery
History of Arlandria-Chirilagua
The area of Alexandria known as Arlandria-Chirilagua has transformed over the past century. In the early 20th century, the neighborhood was home to a robust community of Black homeowners, and even a semi-professional baseball team in the segregated “Negro Baseball League” called the Hume Springs Nine. Since the 1960s and 70s, this small neighborhood has hosted some of the city’s largest immigrant communities. In the 1980s, many residents of the municipality of Chirilagua, El Salvador, escaped the violence created by the country’s civil war seeking asylum and made their new home in Arlandria. Most residents call it “Chirilagua” today. Today, the countries most represented in Chirilagua are El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
Ways to Get Here
- Free DASH Bus routes
- Metro Bus accessible
- Closest Metro Station: Potomac Yard Station (Blue and Yellow Lines)
- 1.5-mile walk to Arlandria-Chirilagua
- One stops south of Reagan National Airport
- Two stop north of King Street
- Capital Bikeshare
