Jacona, Michoacán facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacona de Plancarte
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| Country | Mexico |
| State | Michoacán |
| Municipality | Jacona |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 53,860 |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central Standard Time) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (Central Daylight Time) |
| ZIP code |
59800
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| Area code(s) | Area code 351 |
Jacona de Plancarte, often called Jacona, is a city in the state of Michoacán, Mexico. It is the main town of the Jacona Municipality.
Jacona is located in the northwest part of Michoacán. It sits on the northern side of the Sierra de Patamban mountains. This area is part of the Volcanic Belt, and the city is about 1,600 meters (5,250 feet) above sea level.
The city was officially founded in 1555 by Fray Sebastián de Trasierra. However, much older buildings and paintings have been found here. Some of these are over 3,000 years old! Jacona was an important place for ancient peoples. It was one of the first pre-Hispanic towns that the Spanish took control of.
Contents
What's in a Name? The Meaning of Jacona
The name Jacona comes from the Tecuexes people. They were one of the groups of the Great Chichimeca. Their language was Uto-Aztecan.
Originally, the word was spelled Xacona. Over time, the Spanish changed how words like Mexico (Mejico) were written. Xacona became Jacona.
The word Xucunan, from which Jacona comes, means "place of flowers and vegetables." This shows how beautiful and fertile the area was.
Jacona was in a Chichimeca region, right next to the Purepecha kingdom. Because of this, some nearby towns have Purepecha names. For example, the main hill near Jacona is called Curutaran.
Curutaran is a Purepecha word that means "Place where the gods gather to play ball." This wasn't just any game. It was a special "celestial ball game" played by the gods!
How People Make a Living in Jacona
Jobs and Work
Many people in Jacona work to support themselves and their families. Most of the jobs are for people aged 15 to 44 years old.
The main types of jobs are in farming, industry, and services. Services include things like stores and transportation.
Farming in Jacona
Agriculture is a very important activity in Jacona. Farmers here grow many different crops.
- Strawberries: Jacona is famous for its strawberries!
- Grains: Corn, wheat, and sorghum are also grown.
- Other crops: Farmers also grow various vegetables, fruits, and flowers.
A lot of the land is used for farming. Some fields are watered by irrigation, while others rely on seasonal rain.
Raising Animals
Raising animals is another part of the economy in Jacona. Farmers raise different kinds of animals:
- Cattle (cows)
- Pigs
- Goats
- Sheep
- Horses
- Poultry (like chickens)
- Bees (for honey!)
Cattle and poultry are the most common animals raised. Farmers also produce milk from cows and goats, and honey from bees.
Factories and Production
Jacona has several factories, especially for processing fruits.
- There are about 15 plants that freeze and pack fruit, mostly strawberries.
- The city also has factories that bottle soft drinks.
- There's even a power plant that generates electricity.
Making and processing goods is a big part of Jacona's economy.
Shopping and Selling
Trade is also very important in Jacona. The city has many different kinds of stores:
- Clothing stores
- Furniture stores
- Shoe stores
- Food markets
- Hardware stores
- Construction material stores
- Pharmacies
Jacona has a public market and a flea market where people can buy and sell goods. There are also many smaller grocery stores.
Getting Around and Staying Connected
Jacona has a good network of roads. These roads connect the city to other places in Mexico.
The city also has post offices where people can send and receive mail. There are telegraph offices for sending quick messages.
Many cars, trucks, and motorcycles are registered in Jacona. This shows how people move around and transport goods.
Fun Things to See and Do in Jacona
Historic Places to Visit
Jacona has some beautiful old buildings and sites:
- Church and Convent of San Martin: These are important for their old architecture.
- Church of St. Augustine: Another church with historical value.
- "Old Town" area: This part of the city has ancient paintings and archaeological finds.
- City Hall: The main government building is also a historic landmark.
Relaxing at Spas
Jacona is known for its relaxing spas, which are great places to swim and enjoy the water:
- Balneario El Pedregal (about 3.5 km from Jacona)
- Jacona Spa (about 3.5 km from Jacona)
- Country resort (about 1 km from Jacona)
- The Samanos spa (in central Jacona)
- Paradise spa (in central Jacona)
Beautiful Lakes
There are also several lakes near Jacona where you can enjoy nature:
- Lake Orandino
- Lake of Stay
- Curutarán Lake (also known as the greenish dam)
Special Events and Festivals
Jacona celebrates several important events throughout the year:
- February 14: Anniversary of the coronation of the Virgen de La Esperanza (Our Lady of Hope), which happened in 1886.
- February 15: The start of the famous Strawberry Fair!
- September 8: Nativity of Our Lady of La Esperanza.
- November 5: Anniversary of the founding of Jacona.
These parties are very popular and bring thousands of visitors to Michoacán!
Famous People from Jacona
Sports
- Armando Navarrete: A professional football goalkeeper.
Images for kids
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A view of Jacona de Plancarte.
See also
In Spanish: Jacona de Plancarte para niños
