Boca Chica facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Boca Chica
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Streets of Boca Chica
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 Boca Chica
Location in the Dominican Republic
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| Country |  Dominican Republic |
| Province | Santo Domingo |
| Incorporated | 2001 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 145.67 km2 (56.24 sq mi) |
| Population
(2022 census)
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| • Total | 167,040 |
| • Density | 1,146.70/km2 (2,969.94/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 104,951 |
| Municipal Districts | 1 |
Boca Chica is a lively town and a popular beach area in the Dominican Republic. It's located in the Santo Domingo Province, which is in the southeastern part of the country.
The town is about 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Santo Domingo de Guzmán, the capital city. Boca Chica is known for its beautiful beach, which shares the same name. As of 2022, about 167,040 people live in the wider Boca Chica area.
Contents
History of Boca Chica
The community of Boca Chica began in 1779. It was first called San José de los Llanos. Later, in the early 1900s, a Dominican businessman named Juan Bautista Vicini Burgos helped develop the area. He started large sugar cane farms there.
The Golden Era and Hotel Hamaca
Boca Chica became very famous in the 1950s. This was when a modern hotel called "Hotel Hamaca" was built. This hotel quickly became a symbol of the area. It even became more well-known when a leader from Cuba, Fulgencio Batista, stayed there.
During the 1950s and 1960s, many important families from the Dominican Republic built summer homes along the beach. At that time, you could only reach these homes by private car.
Boca Chica Becomes Popular
After the 1970s, the beach grew much more popular. Public transportation made it easy for everyone to visit. Boca Chica was no longer a quiet, private beach for a few families. It became a very busy place.
The Hamaca hotel closed after Hurricane David hit in 1979. It stayed closed for many years, which caused the local economy to slow down. However, the hotel later reopened. Today, the public beach is still a favorite spot for many people.
Geography of Boca Chica
Boca Chica is close to the capital city, Santo Domingo. Its clear blue water and white sand make it one of the busiest beaches in the Dominican Republic. This is especially true on weekends and holidays.
Islands and Natural Features
Boca Chica has two small islands. One is called Los Pinos. It was made in the 1950s using sand from a port project. The other island is La Matica, which is a mangrove cay. These areas are home to many different kinds of birds.
The beach also has a natural barrier that protects it from large waves. There is also a natural spring that brings fresh water from an underground river.
What Makes Boca Chica Special
Boca Chica beach is known for its beautiful, fine white sand. You can walk far into the water, and it will stay shallow, usually only up to your waist. This makes it a great place for swimming and playing.
The area has many places to eat and shop. You can find bars, restaurants, pizza stands, and souvenir shops. Music often plays loudly throughout the day, right on the beach. In the evening, Boca Chica becomes a lively town with many party spots.
Notable People from Boca Chica
Some famous athletes have come from Boca Chica:
- Cristian Javier, a pitcher for the Houston Astros baseball team.
- Jeurys Familia, a pitcher for the New York Mets baseball team.
- Elvis Luciano, a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays baseball team.
See also
In Spanish: Boca Chica para niños
