Sabana de la Mar facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Sabana de la Mar
Sabana de la Mar in Hato Mayor, Dominican Republic.
Seal
Sabana de la Mar Location in the Dominican Republic
Country	Dominican Republic
Province	Hato Mayor
Founded	1760
Area
• Total	508.52 km2 (196.34 sq mi)
Elevation	3 m (10 ft)
Population  (2012)
• Total	10,582
• Density	20.8094/km2 (53.8961/sq mi)
• Demonym	sabanalamarino (a)
Distance to  – Hato Mayor	36 km
Municipalities	1
Climate	Af

Sabana de la Mar is a lively town in the Hato Mayor province of the Dominican Republic. It's often spelled Savana de la Mar in English. This town is located in the northeastern part of the Dominican Republic. You can find it on the southern side of Samaná Bay. It covers an area of about 508.52 square kilometers.

History of Sabana de la Mar

Spanish settlers first explored the lands around Sabana de la Mar in the early 1600s. They were looking for good places to farm and raise cattle. The town was officially founded in 1756. About a dozen families from the Canary Islands moved here. This was part of a plan by Governor Francisco Rubio and Peñaranda.

More Europeans later joined the community. The town was named Sabana de la Mar because of its features. "Sabana" means "savannah" (a wide, grassy plain) and "Mar" means "sea". So, it was a wide, fertile plain near the seashore. By 1796, it was a small town with palm and thatch houses. Only small ships could use its anchorage.

In 1876, Sabana de la Mar became a "Common" (which is like a municipality). It was part of the Samaná Maritime District. The first town hall started working in 1884. This institution then guided most of the town's activities.

Between the late 1890s and the 1920s, the town changed a lot. New streets like Lira, Cabrera, and El Progreso were built. A pier was also constructed. The town council officially named the first streets. They also marked the first urban and rural areas.

In the 1930s, the Hato Mayor-Sabana de la Mar highway opened. This made it easier to travel to Santo Domingo. The town also got its first power plant. From 1949 to 1955, a US military base was set up here. It included a weather station. In 1963, a bridge was built over the Yabón River. This allowed people to travel easily between Hato Mayor del Rey and Sabana de la Mar. On December 3, 1984, Sabana de la Mar became part of the Hato Mayor Province.

Economy and Local Life

People in Sabana de la Mar, Dominican Republic.

The economy of Sabana de la Mar, with its 10,582 residents, relies on a few main things. These include farming, fishing, and jobs with the government.

A big part of the famous Los Haitises National Park is located here. Also, the beautiful San Lorenzo Bay is in Sabana de la Mar. Because of these natural treasures, protecting the environment is very important to the community.

Señorita Elupina Cordero

Sabana de la Mar is known as the birthplace of Señorita Elupina Cordero. She was born on December 1, 1892. She lost her sight when she was very young. As she grew up, she became a very spiritual and religious person. Thousands of people were drawn to her.

When she was alive, many believed she could heal illnesses. She did this through her prayers, touch, and natural remedies. She used herbs that she grew in her own garden.

Today, you can visit the Chapel Señorita Elupina Cordero. She is buried there. It has become a special place for hundreds of people to visit. Many come from all over to pay their respects. On the chapel grounds, there is also a free school. It teaches children from Kindergarten up to 8th grade. The chapel is located on Calle Elupina Cordero and Calle 27 de Febrero.

The hospital in Sabana de la Mar is also named after her. It is called Hospital Señorita Elupina Cordero. This honors her and remembers her healing abilities. Her miracles have been written about often. The Catholic Church is even considering making her a saint. She passed away on June 4, 1939. Every year, many people come to Sabana de la Mar for her memorial on June 4.

Tourist Attractions

Los Haitises National Park

Los Haitises is one of the largest National Parks in the Dominican Republic. It covers almost 1,200 square kilometers. You can find it in the Northeast region of the country, right in Sabana de la Mar. The name "Haitises" comes from an old indigenous word, "Jaitises." It means "High Land" or "Land of Mountains" in the native language.

When you explore Los Haitises, you can discover amazing things. It has the biggest mangrove forest in the Caribbean. There are also caves with ancient drawings and carvings made by the Taino people. The park is a humid forest with lots of plants. It is home to many birds, both local and migratory. You can also find endangered animals living here.

Salto de Jalda Waterfall

The Salto de Jalda waterfall is the tallest waterfall in the Caribbean. It drops from more than 120 meters high! When it rains, its white waters stand out as they fall. This shows the huge and beautiful sight between the green forest and the rocks. The water flows down a steep path.

The Salto La Jalda National Park's thick forest protects this waterfall. It is hidden among the steep mountains of the Eastern Cordillera. La Jalda is the highest and most attractive waterfall in Sabana de la Mar.

Climate

Notable Resident

• Luis Severino, a famous baseball player

See also

In Spanish: Sabana de la Mar para niños