Jarabacoa facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jarabacoa
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 Jarabacoa
Location in the Dominican Republic
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| Country |  Dominican Republic |
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| Province | La Vega | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 665.88 km2 (257.10 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 529 m (1,736 ft) | |
| Population
(2012)
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| • Total | 69,855 | |
| • Density | 104.9063/km2 (271.706/sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 68,585 | |
| • Demonym | Jarabacoense | |
| Distance to – Santo Domingo |
155 km |
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| Municipal Districts | 2 |
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| Climate | Af | |
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Jarabacoa is a town in the central part of the Dominican Republic. It is the second largest town in La Vega Province. Jarabacoa is known for its beautiful mountains and rivers. Many people call it "The City of Everlasting Spring" because of its pleasant weather.
Contents
History of Jarabacoa
The Taino people, who were the first people of the island, lived in the Jarabacoa valley long ago. The name 'Jarabacoa' might come from Taino words meaning "Land of Waters."
When the Spanish explorers arrived, they looked for gold in Jarabacoa. But the Taino people fought back, so the Spanish left. Even today, you can find small amounts of gold in some rivers. Jarabacoa was likely part of a Taino kingdom called Maguana.
During the time of Spanish rule, settlers came to Jarabacoa. They worked in mines and started raising cattle. In the early 1800s, many white families moved to Jarabacoa from other parts of the island. They came after slave revolts in the French colony of St. Domingue (now Haiti). This caused the town's population to grow a lot.
In 1854, a military base was set up in Jarabacoa. The town officially started because it was an important link between the Cibao region and the south. On September 27, 1858, Jarabacoa became an official municipality (a type of local government area). People from Jarabacoa were brave soldiers in the Dominican War of Independence against Haiti.
Today, Jarabacoa is a popular place for many families, including people who have retired. Some important people, like former president Hipólito Mejía, live here.
Geography and Climate
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Jarabacoa has a Tropical rainforest climate. This means it gets a lot of rain all year. Because it is high up in the mountains, it has warm days and cooler nights for most of the year. In winter, days are mild and nights are colder. This nice weather is why it's called "The City of Everlasting Spring."
The mountains and nature are a big draw for visitors. Jarabacoa is in the middle of the Central Range, a large mountain chain. It's also a main starting point for trips to Pico Duarte, the highest peak in the Caribbean. Another important natural area nearby is the Ebano Verde Scientific Reserve.
Jarabacoa has three main rivers: Baiguate, Jimenoa, and the Yaque del Norte. The Jimenoa and Yaque del Norte rivers meet at a place called La Confluencia. From there, they continue as the Yaque del Norte, which is the second largest river in the country.
The coldest temperature ever recorded in Jarabacoa was 7.1 °C (44.8 °F) on February 24, 2012.
| Climate data for Jarabacoa (1971-2000) | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Record high °C (°F) | 34.4 (93.9) |
36.1 (97.0) |
35.6 (96.1) |
34.4 (93.9) |
35.0 (95.0) |
37.8 (100.0) |
38.3 (100.9) |
36.0 (96.8) |
36.0 (96.8) |
34.0 (93.2) |
33.0 (91.4) |
30.0 (86.0) |
38.3 (100.9) |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | 25.4 (77.7) |
26.0 (78.8) |
27.0 (80.6) |
27.6 (81.7) |
28.3 (82.9) |
29.8 (85.6) |
29.9 (85.8) |
30.0 (86.0) |
29.8 (85.6) |
29.0 (84.2) |
26.8 (80.2) |
25.3 (77.5) |
27.9 (82.2) |
| Daily mean °C (°F) | 20.0 (68.0) |
20.5 (68.9) |
21.3 (70.3) |
22.1 (71.8) |
23.0 (73.4) |
23.9 (75.0) |
24.0 (75.2) |
24.1 (75.4) |
23.9 (75.0) |
23.4 (74.1) |
22.0 (71.6) |
20.5 (68.9) |
22.4 (72.3) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | 14.6 (58.3) |
14.9 (58.8) |
15.6 (60.1) |
16.6 (61.9) |
17.6 (63.7) |
17.9 (64.2) |
18.1 (64.6) |
18.2 (64.8) |
17.9 (64.2) |
17.7 (63.9) |
17.0 (62.6) |
15.6 (60.1) |
16.8 (62.3) |
| Record low °C (°F) | — | 7.1 (44.8) |
— | 9.0 (48.2) |
— | — | — | 12.4 (54.3) |
— | — | — | — | 7.1 (44.8) |
| Average rainfall mm (inches) | 130.6 (5.14) |
110.8 (4.36) |
112.3 (4.42) |
163.3 (6.43) |
210.7 (8.30) |
88.4 (3.48) |
89.4 (3.52) |
155.5 (6.12) |
137.2 (5.40) |
158.6 (6.24) |
194.2 (7.65) |
153.9 (6.06) |
1,704.9 (67.12) |
| Average rainy days | 11 | — | — | — | 14 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 13 | — | — | — |
| Source 1: National Bureau of Meteorology (ONAMET) | |||||||||||||
| Source 2: Acqweather.com | |||||||||||||
Economy
The main way people make money in Jarabacoa is through farming. The town is famous for growing strawberries, coffee, pimento, and ají pepper. The peppers are often grown in special greenhouses. Jarabacoa is also well-known for its many different kinds of beautiful flowers.
Places to Visit
There are many interesting places to see in Jarabacoa:
- Rancho Olivier Bed and Breakfast: A historic hotel since 1976.
- Thevenin Centro Canino Integral: A family-friendly place with Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel dogs.
- Universidad Agroforestal Fernando Arturo de Marino: A college that teaches about farming and nature.
- Colegio Salesiano: A Salesian school with sports fields, an academy, and a medical center.
- St. Mary of the Gospel Monastery: A quiet monastery.
- Jimenoa Waterfalls and Baiguate Waterfall: Beautiful natural waterfalls.
- Constanza Valley: A nearby valley known for its farming.
- Ébano Verde Scientific Reserve: A special area to protect nature.
- Wooden footbridge over the Jimenoa river: An exciting rope and wood bridge for those who like adventure.
- Jarabacoa Mountain Village: A charming mountain community.
- Jamaca De Dios: A restaurant and housing area.
- Jarabacoa Golf Club: A 9-hole golf course.
Culture and Events
Jarabacoa has a famous Carnival celebration every February. It's one of the most well-known carnivals in the country.
On July 16, the town celebrates the day of Our Lady of Mount Carmen, a religious holiday.
Every June, Jarabacoa hosts the "Festival de las Flores" (Flower Festival). During this festival, many local sellers offer flowers, plants, and orchids. You can also find handmade crafts.
Education
Jarabacoa has a college called Universidad Agroforestal Fernando Arturo de Meriño, which opened in 1997. This college mainly offers courses related to agriculture and protecting the environment. There is also the Eugenio de Jesús Marcano Ecological Centre, which focuses on ecological studies.
Notable People
Many important people have connections to Jarabacoa:
- General Daniel Batista y Rodríguez: A hero and leader in the Dominican Restoration War.
- General Rafael Ureña Tiburcio: A combat general and hero of the Dominican air force.
- General Norberto Tiburcio: A brigadier general and hero of the Restoration.
- General José Durán: A brigadier general and hero of the Restoration.
- Obdulio Jiménez (Don Lulo): A businessman and a pioneer in the local energy industry.
- Mario Nelson Galán Durán: A guerrilla fighter.
- Huascar Dionisio Rodríguez Herrera: A businessman and generous helper of the community.
- Avelino Abreu: A businessman.
- Daniel Batista (Don Pimienta): A businessman and generous helper of the community.
- Miguel Maria Castillo: A businessman and generous helper of the community.
- Juan Pablo Sierra (Don Negro): A businessman and generous helper of the community.
- Francisco Jiménez (Don Neno): A businessman and generous helper of the community.
- Belarminio Ramírez: A businessman and generous helper of the community.
- Víctor Manuel Ramírez (Nelito): A poet, researcher, and businessman.
- Ángela Hernández Núñez: A poet and storyteller, who is a member of the Dominican Language Academy.
- Julio Cesar Matias (Pololo): A comedian, actor, and radio host.
Images for kids
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Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic chefs at Jamaca de Dios Restaurant.
See also
In Spanish: Jarabacoa para niños
