Capitanejo, Santander facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Capitanejo
Municipality and town
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Location of the municipality and town of Capitanejo in the Santander Department of Colombia.
Country	Colombia
Department	Santander Department
Time zone	UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)

Capitanejo is a town and municipality in the Santander Department of northeastern Colombia. It's located along the Chicamocha River. This town is about 197 kilometers (122 miles) from Bucaramanga, the capital city of the Santander Department. It's also 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Málaga, which is the capital of its province.

History of Capitanejo

Ancient Times and Native People

Long, long ago, before the Spanish arrived, the beautiful Chicamocha Valley was home to a group of native people called the Chitareros. They lived in most of the area that is now the García Rovira Province.

When Spanish explorers came to the land where Capitanejo is now, they met these Chitarero people. The Chitareros were led by a chief named "Don Bernabe," also known as "Cacique Chicamocha." In his honor, the Spanish called these people the Chicamocha Indians. This is also how the region and the river got their names. The river was first called Rio Grande, meaning "Big River."

The name Chicamocha comes from a native word. It sounds similar to names of gods from the Chibcha language family, like Chibchacún and Chiminigagua.

The Cabuya Crossing System

These clever native people had already built something called LA CUBAYA or TARABITA. This was a special system that helped them safely cross the Rio Grande. It allowed them to connect with their neighbors, the Muiscas, Laches, and Guanes.

The Chicamocha Indians were in charge of this "cabuya" system. They protected their right to use it during the Spanish conquest and the time when Spain ruled the land.

Even today, the cabuya or tarabita system is still used in Capitanejo. People use it to cross the Chicamocha, Nevado, and Servitá rivers in areas where there are no bridges. It's also seen as an exciting extreme sport!

Founding of the Town

In 1597, an official paper from the king, called a "Royal Certificate," gave the Dominican Fathers the job of teaching Christianity in the Chicamocha Valley. They stayed there for almost 200 years and were the first to spread the Christian faith in these areas.

In the early 1600s, three immigrants from the Canary Islands (which was a Spanish colony then) settled in the region. They were Captain Don Bartolomé de Aguilar, Father Juan Bautista García, and their nephew Cristóbal Verde de Aguilar. These three men were very important in starting the first church community in Capitanejo. Their support helped the area begin its life as a town.

How Capitanejo Got Its Name

The town, which was first called Chicamocha, soon became known as THE CAPITANEJO. Father Ismael Mejía, a historian, wrote that Don Cristóbal Verde de Aguilar gave it this name. Don Cristóbal held the title of "CAPTAIN." So, the name "Capitanejo" means something similar to "Captain's place," honoring its founding captains.

Geography and Climate

Where is Capitanejo Located?

Capitanejo is in the eastern part of the Santander Department. It covers an area of 81 square kilometers (about 31 square miles). The town is about 1,090 meters (3,576 feet) above sea level. It has a dry, warm climate with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F).

It's 197 kilometers (122 miles) from Bucaramanga, the capital city. The road to Bucaramanga passes through towns like San José de Miranda, Málaga, San Andrés, Guaca, and Piedecuesta. The distance between Capitanejo and Málaga is about 34.5 kilometers (21.4 miles), which takes about 50 minutes to drive.

Capitanejo is also 328 kilometers (204 miles) from Bogotá, the capital of Colombia. This trip takes about 6 hours on a paved road.

Capitanejo's Climate

Capitanejo has a mostly dry tropical savanna climate. This means it has hot days and mild nights.

Ecology and Wildlife

Plants of Capitanejo

Because of its warm, dry climate, Capitanejo has many different kinds of plants. When you look at the town from a distance, you can see a "magical carpet" of crops. These include tobacco, tomato, melon, and sugarcane.

You'll also find wild trees and shrubs like the cují, moral, chicken, yabo, and totumo. There are many fruit trees too, such as mamón, coconut, zapote, avocado, mango, orange, and papaya. A special plant that grows here is the cactus, known as "tunos," and a unique type with large spines called "guasábaras."

Animals of Capitanejo

Capitanejo is home to various animals. You might see snakes like coral and jackets, as well as iguanas and lizards. Other animals include faras, weasels, owls, and hawks.

Many different birds live here, such as tiles, mirlas, toches, and swallows. In the higher parts of the town, you can find foxes, partridges, rabbits, and squirrels.

Sadly, the Chicamocha River has some pollution. This makes it hard for fish like Bocachico, chocuas, and nicuro to survive. These species are now in danger of disappearing.

Economy of Capitanejo

Farming and Tobacco

Capitanejo's economy is mostly based on farming. The main crop grown here is tobacco. Tobacco farming brings a lot of money into the town and nearby areas. Farmers make agreements with tobacco companies like Philip Morris International. These companies help farmers by giving them technical advice, money for their crops, and farming tools.

Local Businesses and Services

There are many local shops and services in Capitanejo. You'll find grocery stores, restaurants, and hotels for visitors. The restaurants are famous for their "sweaty goat" and "pepitoria" dishes. There are also snack bars, drugstores, hardware stores, and clothing shops.

A special part of Capitanejo's culture is its traditional taverns. People enjoy drinking beer there because of the warm climate. These places often have billiards, bowling fields, and "galleras" (places for cockfights), which are common in Capitanejo.

Farming also creates jobs indirectly. For example, people are needed to transport crops and workers. This helps restaurants, gas stations, and food stores earn more money.

Small businesses like bakeries, shoe repair shops, and ice cream shops also play a role in the town's economy.

Goat and Cattle Farming

Raising animals like goats and cattle is very important in Capitanejo. It helps many families earn money and provides food for the people. Most farms, big and small, raise animals.

Farmers raise cattle for both milk and meat. They also raise goats, pigs, and different kinds of birds like chickens for eggs and meat.

Industrial Activity

Capitanejo does not have many large factories or industrial activities. There are some small mining operations that get rock materials from quarries. Other small businesses make food products like bread, sweets, and dairy items for local use.

Tourism and Fun in Capitanejo

Natural Attractions

Capitanejo is a great place for tourists because of its warm climate. Visitors can enjoy natural spots like the beaches along the Chicamocha, Servitá, Tunebo, and Río Nevado rivers.

The town has hotels and guesthouses for visitors. There are also places to relax and enjoy the sunny weather. You can try the local dish, "sweaty Cabro."

Capitanejo is a popular tourist spot in the García Rovira province. Besides "cabro," other famous local dishes include "tamale" and "mute santandereano."

Festivals and Traditions

Capitanejo celebrates several fun festivals:

• The San Bartolomé festivities happen in August.
• The Feasts of the Virgen del Carmen are on July 16.
• The Christmas carnival takes place from December 24 to December 31.

Local Crafts

You can find beautiful handmade crafts here. These include ceramics, baskets made from "cane brava," shoes called "cotizas de fique," mats made from reeds, and straw hats.

Places to See in Capitanejo

Capitanejo has many interesting places to visit:

• The Temple of San Bartolome Apostol
• The hot springs of San Francisco
• The amazing Chicamocha Canyon
• The Cascade of La Loma waterfall
• The House of Culture
• The Chicamocha River Beaches
• The Temple of the Divine Child
• The Viewpoint and Chapel of the Sacred Heart
• The La Chorrera Waterfall
• The Hoya Grande Viewpoint
• The Sanctuary of Saint Cristo del Carmen

During festivals, you can enjoy carnivals, popular parties, exhibitions, traditional dances, and fireworks. Capitanejo is known for its Santandereano folklore, including guitar music from the 70s and 80s. A famous song from this area is "María Antonia," written by Jose A. Morales.

See also

In Spanish: Capitanejo (Santander) para niños