MEXICO CITY, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- A total of 114 people died, including 88 murdered, during the Divine Savior of the World religious festival in El Salvador, which brought the country to a halt during the first six days of August.

Pop artists perform during the start of the traditional 'Desfile del Correo' festival in San Salvador, August 1, 2009. The festival which runs from August 1-6, is held to honour Divino Salvador del Mundo, the patron saint of San Salvador. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo) Photo Gallery>>>

    The number increased by 38 over last year, according to news reaching here on Friday.

    A further 199 were injured, down from 266 last year, during the holiday, which marks Aug. 6's founding of capital city San Salvador and a catholic festival called the transfiguration of Jesus.

    Many citizens choose to visit their families or go to the beach during the week-long break.

    Mauricio Ramirez, second-in-command at El Salvador's National Civilian Police (PNC), said that many victims were killed in drunken fights, or for domestic violence and organized crimes. Firearms were used in most of the violent cases.

    Victims of car accidents, drownings and other accidents are also included in the toll, the PNC said.