Chichiriviche facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Chichiriviche
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City
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Country | ![]() |
State | Falcón |
Municipality | Monseñor Iturriza |
Population
(2011)
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• Total | 18,960 |
Time zone | UTC-4:30 (UTC) |
area code | 0268 |
Chichiriviche is a lively city in Venezuela. It is located on the eastern coast of Falcón State. The city is about 195 kilometers (121 miles) southeast of Coro. It is also the main city of the Monseñor Iturriza Municipality. In 2011, about 18,960 people lived there.
Chichiriviche is famous for its beautiful natural surroundings. To the east, you'll find small islands with soft, white sand. To the west, there's the Cuare Wildlife Refuge, a special wetland area. To the south, the Cuare Gulf opens up.
The original people who lived here were Native Americans called Chipas. The name Chichiriviche comes from a Caribbean word. It means "place where our sun rises."
This city has grown a lot because of tourism. It offers many places for visitors to stay. These include fancy hotels, resorts, and cozy inns. You can also find great restaurants, marinas, shops, and fun nightlife spots.
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Fun Places to Visit
Chichiriviche is a top spot for tourists in northwestern Venezuela. It has many amazing natural attractions.
Islands and Beaches
On the east side of Chichiriviche, there are five beautiful islands. They are part of the Morrocoy National Park. These islands are:
- Sal Cay
- Muerto Cay
- Pelón Cay
- Peraza Cay
- Sombrero Cay
You can also visit Punta Varadero, which is a lovely beach on the mainland. To the north, you'll find Norte Beach and Los Cocos Beach. These beaches are more than 5 kilometers (3 miles) long. Nearby is Borracho Cay, a safe place for birds that travel long distances.
Cuare Wildlife Refuge
On the west side of Chichiriviche is the Cuare Wildlife Refuge. This is a special place for many kinds of birds. You can see colorful marine and coastal birds here. They offer a wonderful show for nature lovers.
Cuare Gulf and Ancient Caves
To the south, you'll find the Cuare Gulf. Many fish that live in Zulia and Falcón states reproduce in these waters. On the edge of the gulf, there's a cliff called Hill Chichiriviche. Here, you can explore a cave known as Cueva del Indio (Indian Cave). It has ancient rock carvings called petroglyphs that are over 3,500 years old!
In the same area, there's the Gruta de la Virgen (Grotto of the Virgin). This is a special place for many people. They visit it for prayer and devotion.
Protecting Wetlands
The Cuare Wildlife Refuge is very important. It is one of the first places in Venezuela to be recognized internationally for its wetlands. Wetlands are areas like swamps, marshes, and bogs. They are super important for nature. They provide water and homes for many plants and animals. They also help control floods and keep our coastlines stable.
In 1971, many countries agreed to protect wetlands. This agreement is called the Ramsar Convention. Venezuela has many wetlands, and five of them are on the international list of important wetlands. These include:
- Cuare Wildlife Refuge (Falcón state)
- Los Roques archipelago (Federal Dependences)
- Ciénaga Los Olivitos Wildlife Refuge and Fishing Reserve (Zulia state)
- Laguna de la Restinga National Park (Nueva Esparta state)
- Laguna de Tacarigua National Park (Miranda state)
Festivities
Chichiriviche celebrates several fun events throughout the year:
- March 19–21: Festivities in honor of St. Joseph
- July 16: Virgen del Carmen (Our Lady of Mount Carmel)
- August 15–17: Coconut's Fair
- September 8: Virgen del Valle (Our Lady of the Valley)
- September 29: Fiestas in honor of patron St. Michael the Archangel
- October: Virgen de Fátima (Our Lady of Fátima)
See also
In Spanish: Chichiriviche para niños