Emboscada, Paraguay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Emboscada
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Town & District
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| Country | Paraguay | ||
| Department | Cordillera | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 265 km2 (102 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 192 m (630 ft) | ||
| Population
(2008)
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| • Total | 12,225 | ||
| • Density | 46/km2 (120/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-4 (-4 Gmt) | ||
| Postal code |
3210
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| Area code(s) | (595) (529) | ||
Emboscada is a town and district in the Cordillera Department of Paraguay. It is known for its unique history and strong cultural roots.
Contents
What's in a Name? Emboscada's Meaning
The full name of the town is “San Agustín de la Emboscada.” This name comes from a historical event. Before the Spanish arrived, the Guaicurú people ambushed the Carios tribe here. That's where the "Emboscada" part comes from, meaning "ambush."
The town is also called the "Stone City." This is because many people in Emboscada work in mining, especially with stones.
Weather in Emboscada
The weather in the Cordillera Region, where Emboscada is located, is usually mild and dry. Temperatures can range from 22°C to 39°C. In winter, it can get cooler, with temperatures around 3°C.
Who Lives in Emboscada?
According to a 2002 census, Emboscada has 12,225 people living there. About 6,337 are men and 5,888 are women. Most people, 7,072, live in the countryside areas, while 5,153 live in the town itself.
A very important fact about Emboscada is that about 80% of its people consider themselves to be of African descent. This makes it a special place in Paraguay.
A Look at Emboscada's Past
Emboscada has a fascinating history. The first people to settle here were "libertos," which means freed slaves from Brazil. They arrived in the 18th century.
The town was officially founded in 1740. Governor Rafael de la Moneda gave it the name “San Agustín de la Emboscada.”
In 1816, a very important prison was built in Emboscada. It was the main penitentiary (a type of prison) for all of Paraguay.
Emboscada's Economy: What People Do
The most important job in Emboscada is mining. People work with stones and other minerals found in the area.
Besides mining, other industries in the town include:
- Coffee production
- Oil production
- Fishing
Getting Around: Transportation in Emboscada
Emboscada is about 38 kilometers (about 24 miles) away from Asunción, the capital city of Paraguay. To get there, you can take Route Nº III, also known as “Gral. Elizardo Aquino.”
From Emboscada, you can easily visit other nearby towns:
- You can go to Nueva Colombia on a paved road.
- From Nueva Colombia, you can reach Loma Grande.
- From Loma Grande, you can travel to Altos, Atyrá, and San Bernardino. All these cities are connected by paved roads to Route Nº II, “Mariscal José Félix Estigarribia.”
Fun Things to See and Do: Tourism in Emboscada
Emboscada offers unique cultural experiences and interesting sights.
San Francisco Solano Festival
Every year on June 24th, there's a special festival in a small mining town near Emboscada. It honors San Francisco Solano. During this parade, people walk behind an image of San Francisco Solano, singing and praying. They go through the town until they reach the church.
A unique part of the festival is that people wear masks and dance to drum rhythms. This is a way to remember their ancestors, who were enslaved Africans. You can also enjoy lots of local food and listen to many local bands. Pilgrims (people on a religious journey) wear feathers and banana leaves. They gather at the big square to dance and give thanks to San Francisco Solano.
Historical Church
The town's church was built in 1774 by Priest Amancio Gonzalez. It honors San Agustín. The church has beautiful altarpieces and images made from carved wood. These artworks are in the Franciscan style. The walls, doors, and windows of the church were engraved in the 18th century.
Local Crafts and Souvenirs
The people of Emboscada are very skilled at making crafts.
- They make hats from karanda´y, which is a type of palm tree.
- They also create fan-shaped objects.
- You can find delicious local sweets.
- They make “guampa,” a special cup usually made from palo santo wood. This cup is used for drinking traditional Paraguayan drinks like tereré and mate.
- They also make beautiful decorations and finery from ysypo, a type of climbing plant (liane).
Mysterious Pyramids
You can also find some strange pyramids in this area. They add to the unique charm of Emboscada.
Famous People from Emboscada
Priest Amancio González, who built the church, was born in Emboscada.
Images for kids
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The entrance to Emboscada.
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The library in Emboscada.
See also
In Spanish: Emboscada (Paraguay) para niños
