Salcajá facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Salcajá
|
|
|---|---|
|
Municipality
|
|
Church of San Jacinto in Salcajá, Guatemala.
|
|
 Salcajá
Location in Guatemala
|
|
| Country |  Guatemala |
| Department |  Quetzaltenango |
| Municipality | Salcajá |
| Government | |
| • Type | Municipal |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 12 km2 (5 sq mi) |
| • Land | 11.8 km2 (4.6 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 2,322 m (7,618 ft) |
| Population
(Census 2018)
|
|
| • Municipality | 19,434 |
| • Density | 1,620/km2 (4,190/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 17,042 |
| • Religions | Roman Catholicism Evangelicalism Maya |
| Climate | Cwb |
| Website | Site |
Salcajá is a town and municipality in the Quetzaltenango department of Guatemala. It is a place with a rich history and unique traditions.
Contents
What Makes Salcajá Special?
Salcajá is famous for a few important things. It has a very old church, special handmade clothes, and even unique local drinks.
The Historic Church of San Jacinto
The most well-known landmark in Salcajá is the Church of San Jacinto. It was built way back in 1524. This makes it the very first church ever built in Central America.
The church was built soon after the Spanish conquest of Guatemala. It is also called La Conquistadora, which means "The Conqueress". This name likely comes from its age and its role in influencing the local people.
Even after almost 500 years and many earthquakes, the building is still in good shape. You can visit the church for special events and on holidays. There is also a museum next to it that welcomes visitors most mornings.
Traditional Mayan Clothing
Salcajá is also known for making corte. This is a traditional skirt worn by Mayan women. Many homes in the town have tellars, which are special looms used to weave these beautiful fabrics. In fact, about half of the houses here have them!
Unique Local Drinks
The town is also famous for its special homemade drinks. One is called Caldo de Frutas, or "Fruit Juice". This drink is a bright red color. It gets its color from brewing hibiscus flowers with different local fruits.
Another drink made here is Rompopo. This is a yellow alcoholic drink made from eggs. It's a bit like eggnog.
Celebrating in Salcajá
The town of Salcajá celebrates its patron saint, St. Louis, King of France. They have a big carnival that runs from August 15 to August 28. During this time, there are also many other carnivals happening nearby, some just 15 minutes away.
Sports in Salcajá
Salcajá has its own soccer team called "America F.C.". The players wear black and white striped jerseys. They play in the second division of the Guatemalan soccer league.
Every year in August, the Salcajá team plays against a very strong team from the major league, "Xelaju M.C.". This exciting game usually takes place at their home stadium, "Estadio Panorama", which is located in the suburbs of Salcajá.
See also
In Spanish: Salcajá para niños
