El Progreso, Jutiapa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
El Progreso, Jutiapa
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Municipality
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 El Progreso, Jutiapa
Location in Guatemala
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| Country |  Guatemala |
| Department |  Jutiapa |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 40 sq mi (103 km2) |
| Population
(2018 census)
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| • Municipality | 22,114 |
| • Density | 556.1/sq mi (214.7/km2) |
| • Urban | 9,504 |
| Climate | Aw |
El Progreso is a town and municipality in the Jutiapa department of Guatemala. It is also sometimes called El Progreso, Achuapa. In 2018, about 22,114 people lived in the municipality.
The Pan American Highway runs near the main town. This highway connects El Progreso to Jutiapa, which is about 11 kilometers (7 miles) away. Several rivers flow through the area, including the Morán, Chiquito, and Ostúa rivers. People in El Progreso make things like cigars, leather goods, furniture, and bricks.
Contents
History of El Progreso
How El Progreso Was Formed
The municipality of El Progreso was officially created on October 6, 1884. This happened during the government of General Justo Rufino Barrios. It seems there was already a settlement called Achuapa in the same spot. This settlement then changed its name to El Progreso.
Early Settlers and Their Crops
The very first people to live here were the Pipiles. They were an indigenous group. They grew important crops like maize (corn), cacao, and especially annatto. Annatto is a plant used for its seeds, which give a red-orange color. They grew these crops in the valleys of Achuapa, Morán, and Chiquito.
The name "Achuapa" likely comes from "achioti," which is the achiote tree that produces annatto. "Pan" means "place." So, Achuapa means "place of achiote." Scientists have found signs of these early settlers along the Morán and Chiquito Rivers.
Local Celebrations
On January 24, 1939, the government agreed to start a special Catholic Church celebration. This feast day honors the Virgin of Lourdes and takes place in early February. The modern municipality was officially set up by a government rule on September 20, 1987.
The local festivals used to be held around Trinity Sunday in May or June. Now, they are celebrated around February 11. This date remembers Our Lady of Lourdes.
Geography of El Progreso
Location and Surroundings
El Progreso is located about 128 kilometers (80 miles) from Guatemala City. It is also 11 kilometers (7 miles) northeast of Jutiapa, which is the main city of the department. The Jutiapa department is part of the Eastern Plains. This area is known for being Central America's only desert.
El Progreso sits at a height of about 970 meters (3,182 feet) above sea level. It shares borders with several other municipalities. To the north is Monjas. To the south and west is Jutiapa. To the east are Santa Catarina Mita and Asunción Mita.
Rivers and Hills
The western part of El Progreso has part of the river system of the Ostúa River. It also includes the Las Aradas hills. Other rivers in the municipality are the Apantes, Chiquito, Morán, and San Pedro rivers.
The municipality includes the main town of El Progreso. It also has 8 villages and 17 smaller settlements called hamlets. The Suchitan volcano is close by. The Pan American Highway passes south of the main town. This highway connects El Progreso to Jutiapa to the southwest.
Economy of El Progreso
What They Grow and Make
In the past, the main crops grown in El Progreso were maize (corn), cacao, and achiote. Today, farmers also grow rice, beans, and broccoli.
The town is known for making several products. These include cigars, items made from leather, furniture, and different types of tiles and mud bricks. There is also a group of landowners called La Cooperativa de Retana en El Progreso. This cooperative is based in El Progreso.
Facilities in El Progreso
Town Amenities
The main town of El Progreso has several restaurants where people can eat. There are also many churches.
El Progreso has a very nice park. It also has a sports and recreation center. These places attract visitors not just from nearby areas but also from further away.
Education
The municipality has many schools for children. There are primary schools and pre-school centers. There are also private schools, such as:
- Colegio Evangelico Horeb
- Colegio Parroquial Mixto Nuestra Señora De Lourdes
- Colegio Particular Mixto Liceo Progreso
- Cpmi Liceo Progreso
- Escuela Regional De Hoteleria Y Turismo Ecologico
- Liceo Bilingüe
- Fray Amadeo Ruano Najarro
Sports in El Progreso
Football Teams
El Progreso is home to a football (soccer) club called "Oriental Progresista." This team was started in 1932.
Another football club, Deportivo Achuapa, plays in the Primera División de Ascenso. This is the second-highest level of football in Guatemala. The city's stadium is called Estadio Municipal Manuel Ariza. It has a grass field and can seat about 1,500 people.
See also
In Spanish: El Progreso (Jutiapa) para niños
