Cihuatlán facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cihuatlán
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Municipality and town
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Town square in Cihuatlán, showing church building and plaza
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Municipality location in Jalisco
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 Cihuatlán
Location in Jalisco
Cihuatlán
Location in Mexico
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| Country |  Mexico |
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| State | Jalisco | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 501.3 km2 (193.6 sq mi) | |
| • Town | 4.56 km2 (1.76 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2020 census)
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| • Total | 40,139 | |
| • Density | 80.070/km2 (207.380/sq mi) | |
| • Town | 18,787 | |
| • Town density | 4,120/km2 (10,671/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (US Central)) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (Central (US Central)) | |
Cihuatlán is a beautiful coastal area in the Mexican state of Jalisco. It's a municipality, which is like a county, and its main town is also called Cihuatlán. This region is known for its lovely beaches and interesting history.
Contents
What Does Cihuatlán Mean?
The name Cihuatlán comes from two words in Nahuatl. This was an ancient language spoken in central Mexico by groups like the Aztecs. The word Zihua means "woman," and Tlán means "place." So, Cihuatlán means "place of women."
A Look Back: Cihuatlán's History
Cihuatlán was first settled along the Marabasco River. When the Spanish explorers arrived, there were about 500 women and only 20 men living there. The first Spanish group to explore this part of the Jalisco coast was led by Gonzalo de Sandoval.
Later, in 1825, the Mexican government decided to rebuild the important harbor of Barra de Navidad. This helped Cihuatlán connect with other places for trade.
Cihuatlán's Special Symbol: The Coat of Arms
The coat of arms for Cihuatlán is like a special picture that tells its story. It's divided into four parts:
- The top left shows the head of a woman from ancient times. This reminds us of the town's name, "place of women."
- The top right has a ship sailing on the sea. This shows how important the coast and trade are to Cihuatlán.
- The bottom left features a religious building, representing the town's culture and faith.
- The bottom right shows a green, fertile valley, highlighting the rich land around Cihuatlán.
Main Towns and Communities
Cihuatlán is made up of several towns and smaller communities. Here are some of the most important ones and how many people lived there in 2005:
- Cihuatlán (the main town): 15,697 people
- Melaque: 6,379 people
- Barra de Navidad: 3,386 people
- Jaluco: 2,182 people
- Emiliano Zapata: 1,589 people
Famous People from Cihuatlán
Who is Nestor Enrique Valencia Guerrero?
Nestor Enrique Valencia Guerrero was born on June 9, 1965. His grandfather, Ramon Valencia Torres, was once a mayor of Cihuatlán. Nestor grew up to become a mayor and council member in the city of Bell, California, in the USA.
He is known for his kind actions. In 2014, he was the first mayor in the United States to welcome young immigrant children from Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. He also helped change government rules in Bell, California, to make them more open and honest for everyone.
