Monción facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Monción
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 Monción
Location in the Dominican Republic
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| Country |  Dominican Republic |
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| Province | Santiago Rodríguez | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 101.61 km2 (39.23 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 364 m (1,194 ft) | |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 11,753 | |
| • Density | 115.668/km2 (299.578/sq mi) | |
| • Demonym | Moncionero(a) | |
| Distance to – Sabaneta |
36 km |
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| Municipal Districts | 0 |
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Monción is a town located in the Santiago Rodríguez Province of the Dominican Republic. It is one of the three main towns in this province.
Long ago, Monción was known by its old Taíno name, Guaraguanó. In 1898, the country's President, Ulises Heureaux, changed its name to Monción. This was done to honor General Benito Monción, a hero from the Dominican Restoration War. In 1907, Monción officially became a municipality within the Monte Cristi Province. Later, in 1948, when the Santiago Rodríguez Province was created, Monción became one of its municipalities. You can find Monción in the southwest part of the province.
Monción is famous for growing and producing Cassava. It is the biggest producer of cassava in the entire country. Because of this, Monción is often called the "capital of Cassava."
Contents
Where is Monción Located?
Monción is surrounded by other areas. Knowing its limits helps us understand its location better.
- To the South: It borders the Cordillera Central, Dominican Republic, a large mountain range.
- To the North: It is near Mao, Dominican Republic.
- To the East: It is close to San José de las Matas.
- To the West: It shares a border with Sabaneta, Dominican Republic.
What is Monción's Climate Like?
Monción has a tropical savanna climate. This means it has two main seasons. There is a dry season during the winter months. Then, there is a very wet season during the summer.
What are the Areas within Monción?
Monción is divided into several smaller areas called municipal districts. These are:
- Gurabo
- Cepillo
- Gurabito
- Cañada Grande
- Meseta
- Barrio Nuevo
- Mata del Dajao
- Jicomé
- Cacique
- Los Pinos
- Mamoncito
- Veladero
- Bulla
- Clavijo
- Durán
- El Rodeo
- Loma del Tanque
Exploring Monción's Geography
Monción has beautiful natural surroundings. It is known for its mountains and rivers.
Monción's Mountainous Relief
The town of Monción sits at the base of the Cordillera Central. This is a large mountain range. The area is full of mountains and lovely natural views. These landscapes make the environment very beautiful.
Two important national parks are close to Monción. To the south, you'll find the José Armando Bermúdez National Park. This is the most important forest reserve in the region. To the east, there is the Piky Lora National Park.
Rivers and Water in Monción
The main river flowing through Monción is the Rio Mao. This river eventually flows into the Monción Dam. The dam is located in the southern part of the municipality.
The Monción Dam
The Monción Dam is a very important structure. It was officially opened on September 22, 2001. The president at that time, Hipólito Mejía, was there for the opening. This dam is the highest dam in the entire Dominican Republic.
In 2003, the Monción Dam won a special award. It received the El Puente Alcántara International Prize. The dam serves several important purposes. It helps produce electricity for the region. It also provides drinking water for people. The dam is also a place for tourism. Plus, it helps with water for farming in the area.
How Many People Live in Monción?
In 2010, the population of Monción was recorded. There were 11,753 people living there at that time.
What Drives Monción's Economy?
The main way Monción makes money is through Cassava production. It also exports cassava products. There are over 50 factories in Monción that process cassava. This makes it the most important economic activity.
Another important part of Monción's economy is Cabinetmaking. This involves making furniture and other wooden items. Money sent home by Moncioneros living in the United States also helps the local economy.
Monción is home to the main office of Cooperativa Mamoncito. This is a large savings and credit cooperative in the country. It was started on April 2, 1978. Today, it has more than 8 offices across the nation.
Art and Culture in Monción
Monción has rich traditions and celebrations.
Annual Festivities
Since 1912, Monción has celebrated its patron saint festivities. These are held in June to honor San Antonio de Padua.
In 1913, a famous Dominican musician named Ñico Lora composed a merengue song. It was called "San Antonio." He wrote it to honor San Antonio de Padua and the people of Monción. Since then, this song has become the official anthem of the municipality. The festivities start with a special mass at the church. After that, there is live music. Famous orchestras from the country and local musicians perform.
On June 12, there is a parade. It goes from the community of Cepillo to the municipal park. June 13 is a day of municipal celebration. Many people gather in the central park to enjoy this important day.
Monción's Carnival
Every year, at the beginning of March, Monción celebrates its carnival. This fun event lasts for three days.
Field Day Celebration
In September, Monción holds a "field day." This event takes place at the Minor Seminary of Our Lady of Mercedes. This place is owned by the Catholic Church. Hundreds of people gather there to celebrate Mercedes Day.
What Can You See as a Tourist?
The main place for tourists to visit in Monción is the Monción Dam. It is located in the southern part of the municipality.
Schools and Education
Monción has several schools that help educate its young people.
- Juan Pablo Duarte High School
- La Trinitaria School
- Professor Juan Bosch School
- Anastacio Valle School
- San Antonio Labor School
- Juan Francisco Lora Music School
- Cañada Grande School
- Yisel Arias Secondary School
- La Meseta School
- English by immersion
See also
In Spanish: Monción para niños
