Herrera Province facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Herrera Province
Provincia de Herrera
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Location of Herrera Province in Panama
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| Country | Panama | |
| Founded | 1915 | |
| Capital | Chitré | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 2,362 km2 (912 sq mi) | |
| Population
(2019)
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| • Total | 118,865 | |
| • Density | 50.324/km2 (130.338/sq mi) | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern Time) | |
| ISO 3166 code | PA-6 | |
| HDI (2017) | 0.787 high |
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Herrera is a province in Panama. It is named after General Tomás Herrera. This province was created on January 18, 1915. It was formed by dividing the Los Santos province.
The main city and capital of Herrera is Chitré. Chitré is located close to the coast. Herrera is surrounded by other provinces. To the north are Veraguas and Coclé. To the south and east is Los Santos province. To the west, it borders Veraguas again.
Contents
History of Herrera Province
After Panama became independent from Spain in 1821, the area was split into two provinces. These were Panamá and Veraguas. The Panamá province included several districts. These districts were Natá, Portobelo, Panama City, and Darién.
At that time, the area where Chitré is now was home to a small group of native people. It was near La Villa de Los Santos. This area was first governed from Natá. Later, it came under the control of the Los Santos government.
The province of Herrera was first created in 1854. But it was removed in 1860. Then, 55 years later, in 1915, the province was created again. This happened under the president of Panama, Dr. Belisario Porras.
Founding of Chitré City
Chitré city was founded on October 19, 1848. Several people helped to found it. These included Ventura Solís and Matías Rodríguez. At first, Chitré was part of the Los Santos province.
It was not until 1915 that Chitré became part of Herrera. This happened during President Porras's time. Chitré was then made the capital city of Herrera province.
Economy and Industries
Herrera province is important for Panama's economy. It ranks third in the country for sugarcane production. Sugarcane is used to make sugar and other products.
Other important businesses in Herrera include shops and equipment repair. Banking services are also a big part of the economy. Many people also work in domestic services.
Main Industries in Herrera
Herrera has several key industries. These include making dairy products like milk and cheese. Cattle farming is also very important. The province also has a strong commercial fishing sector.
Local industries also produce ceramics and clay products. They make mosaics and cement. These products are used for building and art.
Culture and Traditions
Herrera province is known for its rich culture. The famous Festival del Manito Ocueño takes place in Ocú. This festival celebrates local traditions.
Pottery and Crafts
Pottery work in Herrera is very special. Artists create high-quality copies of ancient artifacts. These are pieces made by people who lived long ago. Herrera's pottery is the most famous in Panama.
Panama's National Drink
Panama's most well-known alcoholic drink is "seco." The word "seco" means "dry." This drink is made in Herrera. It is a type of sugarcane liqueur. Many people say it is drier than regular rum. A company called Varela Hermanos makes seco in Pesé. They sell it as Seco Herrerano.
Sports in Herrera
Herrera has a very successful baseball team. They have won sixteen national championships. This is more than any other team in Panama. Their wins include titles in 2005, 2006, and 2007.
Carnival Celebrations
Carnival is a big celebration in Panama. The most famous carnivals in Herrera are in Chitré, Parita, and Ocú. Chitré's carnival is one of the most popular in the whole country. In recent years, the carnivals in Ocú have also become very well-known.
Administrative Divisions
Herrera Province is divided into 7 distritos (districts). These districts are then split into 49 corregimientos. Each district has a main town called a Cabecera (Seat).
- Chitré District has its seat in Chitré.
- Las Minas District has its seat in Las Minas.
- Los Pozos District has its seat in Los Pozos.
- Ocú District has its seat in San Sebastián de Ocú.
- Parita District has its seat in Parita.
- Pesé District has its seat in Pesé.
- Santa María District has its seat in Santa María.
See also
In Spanish: Provincia de Herrera para niños
