Otxandio facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Otxandio
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Otxandio with the Gorbea mountain in the background
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Location of Otxandio in Biscay.
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| Country |  Spain |
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| Autonomous community |  País Vasco |
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| Province | Biscay | |
| Comarca | Durangaldea | |
| Area | ||
| • Total | 1,243 km2 (480 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 554 m (1,818 ft) | |
| Population
(2018)
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| • Total | 1,296 | |
| • Density | 1.0426/km2 (2.7004/sq mi) | |
| Demonym(s) | Otxanditarra | |
| Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) | |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) | |
| Postal code |
48210
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Otxandio is a small, historic town and municipality in Spain. It is located in the province of Biscay, which is part of the Basque autonomous community. Otxandio is also part of the comarca (a type of region) called Durangaldea. In 2010, about 1,269 people lived there.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Otxandio has a long history! It was first written down in the 12th century. However, it wasn't officially called a "town" until the 18th century.
The Spanish name for the town is Ochandiano. This name might come from an old Latin word ending in -ano. Some people think the name comes from the Basque words Ochoa Handia, which means "big wolf."
The Basque name, Otxandio, developed from the Spanish name. Over time, the "n" sound in the middle of Ochandiano was lost, changing it to Ochandiao and then Ochandio. Later, it was spelled Otxandio to fit Basque spelling rules. Since 1984, Otxandio has been the official name of the municipality.
A Glimpse into History
The Spanish Civil War
During the early days of the Spanish Civil War, a sad event happened in Otxandio. On July 22, 1936, the town was bombed by two planes. This happened during the "fiestas de Santa María," a local celebration. The attack hit the main square and caused many casualties, mostly civilians. It was a difficult time for the people of Otxandio.
Where is Otxandio?
Otxandio has been an important "port of entry" into Biscay for centuries, especially from the region of Álava. It is located in the southernmost part of the Biscay province.
Otxandio shares its borders with several other places:
- To the north, it borders Abadiño.
- To the north and west, it borders Dima.
- To the southwest, it borders Ubide.
- To the south, it borders the province of Álava.
Famous People from Otxandio
Some notable people were born in Otxandio:
- Koikili Lertxundi: He is a well-known left-back who played for the football club Athletic Bilbao.
- Victor Garaygordóbil Berrizbeitia: He was a respected Bishop, known as the Prelate Emeritus of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Babahoyo in Ecuador.
See also
In Spanish: Ochandiano para niños
