Ojocaliente, Zacatecas facts for kids
Ojocaliente is a town located in the southeastern part of the Mexican state of Zacatecas. It is a medium-sized town with a population of about 44,144 people. Many consider Ojocaliente to be the very center of Mexico.
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History of Ojocaliente
Ojocaliente was founded a long time ago, in the year 1620. Its first name was quite long: "Real Villa de Sacramento y Ojocaliente Mina de Bastidas." The name "Ojocaliente" means "hot eye." This name comes from the town's hot springs and the valuable mineral veins found in the nearby hills of Santiago. "Ojo" can mean a pond or pool, referring to the hot water springs.
Location and Geography
Ojocaliente is located at an elevation of about 2,040 meters (6,693 feet) above sea level. The town covers a land area of about 685.775 square kilometers (264.78 square miles). A major road, the Pan American Highway #45, runs right through the middle of the town. This highway connects Mexico to Ciudad Juarez. There is also an airport located about 55 kilometers (34 miles) north of Ojocaliente.
What Ojocaliente Produces
Ojocaliente is an important farming area. Farmers here grow many different crops. These include beans, maize (corn), barley, prickly pears, and potatoes. The town is also known for its grape groves. These grapes are used in local wine processing plants, where delicious wines are made.
Culture and Arts
Ojocaliente is a place rich in culture and art. It is known for being the home of many talented people. These include artists, composers, and chroniclers (people who record history). The town also has mariachi groups, who play traditional Mexican music, and charro associations, which celebrate Mexican horsemanship. There is even a school of arts where young people can learn about different art forms.
Education and Religion
For education, Ojocaliente has six primary schools. There is also a high school that is connected with the Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas. This means students can continue their studies close to home.
In terms of religion, the town has a large Catholic cathedral. There are also eight smaller Catholic chapels. In addition, there is a Mormon chapel in Ojocaliente.
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