San José Acatempa facts for kids
San José Acatempa is a town in the Jutiapa area of Guatemala. It was one of the first towns started by Spanish explorers in 1525. These explorers were led by Captain General Pedro de Alvarado. They were on their way to explore the region of Cuzcatlan, which is now parts of southeastern Guatemala and El Salvador. The town was once called Azacualpa. During the time when Spain ruled the area, it was known as Valle de Zacualpa. San José Acatempa received its current name in 1944 by order of General Jorge Ubico.
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A Look at San José Acatempa's Past
According to old records, the area where San José Acatempa is now was first home to native people. Later, new groups of families from Spain settled there. These early settlers were a mix of people. Some were from Hungary and spoke Spanish. Many of them were from the Romani group, who mixed with Spaniards from places like Navarra and Andalucía. This mix helps explain why some people in the area have a lighter skin tone, which is common for people from the Mediterranean region.
Another idea is that the Romani people might have traveled to Spain from Jewish families who passed through Egypt and Morocco. Some of the first families who settled in San José Acatempa had last names like Alvarez, Boteo, Cano, Castillo, Cermeño, García, Jiménez, Pernillo, and Pineda. The Segura family joined later when Colonel Carlos Segura of the Spanish army arrived in the late 1800s. Colonel Segura later became the army commander in Azacualpa.
Life and Culture in San José Acatempa
Today, San José Acatempa has about 14,000 people. Since the town was founded in 1525, many people have moved to other parts of Guatemala, including Guatemala city. It is thought that at least 4,000 people have moved to the United States since the 1960s. They often move to find better jobs or chances for education. People sometimes joke that there are more people from Acatempa in the USA than in the town itself!
People from Acatempa really enjoy horses and horseback riding. Most people in the town work by growing coffee. Historically, many men have found jobs in the army, police, or private security companies. Women often work at home.
When it comes to clothing, men usually dress in a cowboy style. Women tend to dress in a very traditional way. Both men and women love ranchera music. This makes the guitar and accordion the most popular instruments played in the town. Spanish is the language spoken. It is known for using some older Spanish words and phrases. People from Acatempa are known for being very welcoming. They greet visitors with open arms!
Challenges Facing the Community
Like many places, San José Acatempa faces some challenges. These include safety concerns and economic challenges. There are also issues with getting enough water and keeping the river clean. The community also needs more support for farmers and better access to doctors and health care services.
Palacio Municipal
See also
In Spanish: San José Acatempa para niños
