Carúpano facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Carúpano
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Carúpano Location in Venezuela
Country	Venezuela
State	Sucre
Municipality	Bermúdez
Founded	23 December 1647
Area
• Total	203 km2 (78 sq mi)
Elevation	10 m (30 ft)
Population  (2010)
• Total	173.877 hab.
• Density	856/km2 (2,220/sq mi)
• Demonym	Carupanero(a)
Time zone	UTC-4:30 (VST)
Postal code	6150
Area code(s)	(+58) 294
Climate	Aw
Website	bermudez-sucre.gob.ve
The area and population figures are for the municipality

Carúpano is a city located in the eastern part of Venezuela, in the state of Sucre. It sits right on the Caribbean coast, where two valleys meet. Carúpano is about 120 kilometers (75 miles) east of Cumaná, which is the capital city of Sucre.

Panoramic view of Carúpano with Margarita Island in the background

This city is the main town of the Bermúdez Municipality. In 2010, about 173,877 people lived in the municipality. Carúpano is often called the "gateway" to the Paria Peninsula and is a major center for business and money in the area.

History of Carúpano

Early Explorations

It is believed that Christopher Columbus first stepped onto the American continent near Carúpano, on the Paria Peninsula. This happened during his third voyage. On all his other trips, he only explored the islands in the Caribbean Sea.

Important Decrees

In 1814, a very important event happened in Carúpano. Simón Bolívar, known as the liberator of Venezuela, issued a special order here. This order officially ended slavery in the region.

Spanish Arrival

In 1815, King Ferdinand VII of Spain sent a large fleet to Carúpano and Isla Margarita. This fleet included 18 warships and 42 cargo ships. Their mission was to calm down the rebellions against Spanish rule in the South American colonies.

Modern Events

In May 1962, Carúpano was the site of a brief military uprising. Rebel military officers took control of the city for a short time. This event is remembered as El Carupanazo.

In July 1997, a strong earthquake shook Carúpano and most of the state. The earthquake's center was in the town of Cariaco. Most of the damage and sadly, most of the deaths, happened there.

Economy

Historical Exports

For a long time, even since colonial times, Carúpano has been important for its exports. Products like cacao, coffee, sugar, cotton, timber, and rum were sent from here. Carúpano's rums are very popular across Venezuela. Because of this, most of the rum is enjoyed within the country, leaving little for export.

Transportation

The local airport, called General José Francisco Bermúdez Airport, does not currently have regular commercial flights.

Population Information

Bermúdez Municipality in Sucre State

The Bermúdez Municipality had a population of 175,877 people in 2001. This was an increase from 100,794 people in 1990. This means that about 15.5% of the entire population of Sucre state lives in this municipality. The area has about 602 people living in each square kilometer (or 1,559 people per square mile).

Places to Visit

House of Cable

The House of Cable is a historic building in Carúpano. It's where the very first underwater cable connecting Europe and America arrived. This cable linked the French city of Marseille with Carúpano in the late 1800s. Today, this house is home to two organizations, the Tomas Merle foundation and the Paria Project. They work to promote tourism and local industries.

Religious Buildings

Carúpano has several beautiful churches and chapels:

• Iglesia Catedral Santa Rosa de Lima
• Iglesia Santa Catalina de Siena
• Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Coromoto
• Iglesia San Martín de Porres
• Iglesia Ntra. Señora del Valle
• Iglesia San Rafael Ancargél
• Capilla Santa Cruz(Guayacan de las Flores)
• Capilla Santa Cruz(Guayacan de los Pescadores)
• Capilla Santa Cruz(Sector el Mangle)

Squares and Parks

The city also has many public squares and a park where people can relax:

• Plaza Andrés
• Plaza Bolívar
• Plaza Colón
• Plaza Miranda
• Plaza Santa Rosa
• Plaza Suniaga
• Parque Karupana

Notable People from Carúpano

Many famous people have come from Carúpano, or have strong connections to the area. Some of them include:

• Wolfgang Larrazábal: He was a former president of Venezuela.
• Jictzad Viña: She was crowned Miss Venezuela in 2005.
• Eladio Lárez: He is the president of Radio Caracas Television, one of Venezuela's biggest TV networks.
• Jesús Flores: He is a professional major league baseball catcher who played for the Washington Nationals.

Images for kids

• 

  Hernan Vasquez Bay

See also

In Spanish: Carúpano para niños