Bánica, Elías Piña facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bánica
Municipality
San Francisco de Bánica
Country	Dominican Republic
Province	Elías Piña
Founded	1504
Municipality since	1844
Municipal Districts	Sabana Cruz, Sabana Higüero
Area
• Total	67.3 km2 (26.0 sq mi)
Elevation	287 m (942 ft)
Population  (2010)
• Total	2,112
• Density	31.382/km2 (81.28/sq mi)
• Urban	1,479
Demonym(s)	Baniquero (female, baniquera)
Time zone	UTC-4 (AST)
• Summer (DST)	UTC-4 (AST)
Distance:	38 km (24 mi) to Comendador

Bánica, also known as San Francisco de Bánica, is a city in the Dominican Republic. It's a municipality in the Elías Piña province. It sits right on the border with Haiti, close to the Artibonite River.

What Does "Bánica" Mean?

The name Bánica comes from the Taíno people. They were the first inhabitants of this region. They called it Banique, which means "land of ebony trees."

How Many People Live in Bánica?

In 2010, Bánica had a total population of 2,112 people. There were 1,043 men and 1,069 women. About 70% of the people lived in the city area.

A Brief History of Bánica

Early Beginnings

The town of Bánica was founded in 1504 by Diego Velázquez. He later became famous for conquering the island of Cuba. The original town was located on the left side of the Artibonite River. Bánica was an important town in its early years.

Changes Over Time

Later, the town lost some of its importance. In the 18th century, the Spanish government moved the city to its current location. This new spot was further away from the river. Families from the Canary Islands were brought to live there.

Haitian and Dominican Influence

When Haiti became independent, many people left Bánica. Later, when Haitians took over the eastern part of the island (which is now the Dominican Republic), they rebuilt the town. It became part of the Artibonite department.

After the Dominican Republic gained independence in 1844, Bánica became a municipality in the Azua province. However, the town was abandoned again by its residents. After the "Restoration War" (1863-1865), some families from nearby towns settled in Bánica.

Bánica was made a municipality of the San Juan province in 1938. Then, in 1942, it became part of the new province of Elías Piña.

Where is Bánica Located?

Bánica is about 266 km (165 mi) west of Santo Domingo. It is also 38 km (24 mi) northeast of Comendador.

The municipality borders Pedro Santana to the north. To the east is the San Juan province. Comendador is to the south, and Haiti is to the west. The average daily temperature in Bánica is 25.4°C.

How is Bánica Organized?

The municipality of Bánica has two main areas called municipal districts. These are:

What is Bánica's Economy Like?

The main way people make a living in Bánica is through farming. Trading goods with Haiti is also a very important part of the city's economy.

Interesting Places to Visit in Bánica

• Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís (Saint Francis of Assisi Church). This is a very old and interesting colonial Catholic church. No one knows exactly when it was built. However, in 1740, a Bishop wrote that Bánica had a "new church."
• Reloj de sol (Sundial). This sundial has a date, "1795," carved into it. This might be when it was made. In the old Spanish colony, there were only two sundials. One was in Santo Domingo, and the other was right here in Bánica.
• Cerro de San Francisco (Saint Francis Hill). This is a rocky hill about 1.5 km (0.9 mi) from the city. There is a cave here that many people visit to pray to Saint Francis. They get wet with water that drips from the cave's ceiling. They also put limestone dust on their faces. This way, when they return to town, their white faces show where they have been. This hill is protected by law. It is the only place where you can find the Pereskia marcanoi plant growing wild. This is a special cactus with leaves and beautiful small purple flowers. Its common name is Rosa de Bánica, which means "Bánica Rose."