Recreo facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Recreo
City
Recreo Location in Argentina
Country	Argentina
Province	Catamarca
Department	La Paz
1st level Municipality	Recreo
Highest elevation	270 m (890 ft)
Lowest elevation	220 m (720 ft)
Population  (2010 census [INDEC])
• Total	11,847
Time zone	UTC−3 (ART)
CPA Base	K 5260
Area code(s)	+54 3832
Website	www.recreociudad.gov.ar

Recreo is a city located in the Catamarca Province of Argentina. It is the main town of the La Paz Department. Recreo is sometimes called "Recreo de las Carretas," which means "Recreation of the Carts" in Spanish. This name comes from a time when travelers would stop here to rest their carts.

The city is about 8 kilometers north of the Salinas Grandes (large salt flats). It is 206 kilometers from San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, the capital of the province. Recreo is also 283 kilometers from Córdoba and 980 kilometers from Buenos Aires. In 2010, Recreo had a population of 11,847 people. The people who live here are called recreinos.

Recreo was founded in 1875 when a train station was built in the area. In 1958, it officially became the head town of the La Paz Department. Today, Recreo is an important cultural, industrial, and economic center in the province. It is also known for its history, folklore, and for hosting big events like the Turismo Carretera car races.

History of Recreo

Before Europeans arrived, the land where Recreo now stands was home to the Juries nation. They left behind signs of their lives, like stone mortars found in the hills around the city.

In the 1860s, a man named Don Clemente Martinez owned these lands. After he passed away, his wife married Pedro Cano, who was a provincial deputy. In 1874, Pedro Cano built a large farm called "El Recreo." This farm had a main house, water pools, a windmill, and even its own family church. This church is now the San Roque Parish in Recreo.

The area was also known as "Recreation of the Wagons" because it was a popular resting spot for travelers with their carts. On May 9, 1875, the railway line reached Recreo, dividing the area into two parts. This railway arrival led to people settling here, which is why Recreo doesn't have a single founder like many other cities.

Later, some land from the farm was taken by the government so people could build homes. There were a few more times when land was taken to allow the town to grow.

On March 24, 1892, an earthquake with a magnitude of 6.0 hit the area. It caused a lot of damage to buildings and sadly, some people lost their lives. In 1962, the Motegasta Dam was opened about 20 kilometers away. This dam helps provide water to the people of Recreo.

In the 1980s, Recreo started to focus on industry. Many factories opened between 1986 and 1987, which helped the city's population grow quickly. The official shield of Recreo was created in 1986, and in 2007, the city got its own official flag.

Population Growth

Recreo had 10,147 residents in 2001. This was a big increase from 6,789 residents in 1991. The city's population makes up about half of the entire La Paz Department.

By 2007, it was estimated that Recreo had 14,204 people. This made it the fifth most populated city in the province, after San Fernando del Valle de Catamarca, Valle Viejo, Santa Maria, and Tinogasta.

Economy

Recreo's economy is mostly based on its industries. These industries make products that are sold to other countries and across Argentina. Some of the main industries include:

• Food production, with companies like Arcor.
• Clothing, from companies like Fabrizzi.
• Battery manufacturing, by Plaka.
• Footwear, from Willy.
• Appliances, by Barbero.
• Textiles (fabrics), from Sabri and Tejica.
• Mining, with ores from El Recreo.

A smaller part of the population also works in farming and raising animals like cows and goats.

Tourism

While not as famous for tourism as some other cities in the province, Recreo still has interesting places to visit.

• Christ the Redeemer: This statue is located in the hills and offers a great view of the city.
• Main Square and Church: These are central spots for visitors.
• Train Station: A historic site that shows the city's connection to the railway.
• Municipal Campsite: A place for outdoor activities.

Recreo also hosts various festivals and events throughout the year.

Culture and Traditions

A common tradition in Recreo, like in much of Argentina, is drinking mate. This is a special herbal drink popular in several South American countries. People also enjoy tea, coffee, and often eat pastries like "recibos," "rosquetes," and "tablets" with cheese. For meals, traditional dishes include barbecue and roasted goat.

Recreo hosts several important cultural events:

• Festival Nacional del Cabrito (National Kid Festival): This is one of the biggest festivals in the area. It happens every February over a weekend. Famous artists often perform here.
• Cabrito Rock: Started in 2007, this festival takes place in February, just like the Kid Festival. It's the only rock music festival of its kind in the province, bringing together rock artists.
• May 9 - Recreo Foundation Day: This day celebrates the arrival of the first train to the community. It's celebrated annually with city officials, local schools, music, and a parade of students and police.
• Expo-Feria of the Book: Held in June, this event is organized by a local college. It includes book sales, talks, reading workshops, and art shows by local artists.
• Chariots of Spring: During this event, schools choose their queens and display them on decorated floats that parade through the streets.
• "Evita" Championships: Students from different schools compete in sports like soccer, volleyball, handball, and athletics. Winners go on to compete at departmental, provincial, and even national levels.

Transportation

The train station in Recreo used to carry passengers from the late 1800s until 1977. Today, the trains are mainly used for transporting cargo, especially grains. For passenger travel, people now use the bus terminal, which connects Recreo to different parts of the country. Decades ago, planes could land at the municipal airfield south of the city, but it is no longer used.

Media

Recreo has four FM radio stations: FM The Voice 93.5, Radio Líder FM 103.3, FM Del Este 100.1, and Municipal FM 99.7. The Municipal FM station also streams live music online. The city has an "official website" and two online newspapers that share local news and information. There is also a website with pictures and videos of social, cultural, political, and business events in Recreo. The city once had a television station, but it is no longer operating.

Religion

Recreo is home to people of many different faiths. The largest religious group is Catholic, with two churches and two chapels in the city. There are also several Evangelical churches and a Church of Jehovah's Witnesses. Other smaller religious groups, like Mormons, also live in Recreo.

Education

Recreo has a well-developed education system.

• Primary Schools: There are five schools for the initial level and the first, second, and third cycles of EGB (Basic General Education).
• High Schools (Polimodal Level):

* College Polimodal No. 22 (formerly a technical school). * Polimodal College Multipurpose No. 60 Art, where students can learn pottery, painting, and musical instruments. * Private School Immaculate Conception (CPIC), which was the first secondary school in eastern Catamarca. This building also hosts a secondary school for adults (CENS No. 189) and is the home of the Festival del Cabrito.

• Tertiary Education: The IES Recreo operates at night in School No. 280, offering higher education.
• Special Education: School No. 9 "Fray Mamerto Esquiu" serves students with different abilities.
• Police School: A school for children aged three to thirteen.
• Public Library: The Estanislao Zeballos Public Library, named after the writer and politician Estanislao Zeballos, is located across from the main square.

Looking at the education levels of the population:

• 29.00% have completed primary school.
• 53.27% have completed primary school but not high school.
• 12.68% have finished high school but not college.
• Only 5.05% have completed college or university.

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See also

In Spanish: Recreo (Catamarca) para niños