San José Ojetenam facts for kids

Quick facts for kids San José Ojetenam
Municipality
Nickname(s):  Cuna del paisaje (Spanish: Landscape cradle) Cuna de la Trucha (Spanish: Trout cradle)
Motto(s):  "Adios tristeza" (Spanish: Good-bye sadness)
San José Ojetenam Location in Guatemala
Country	Guatemala
Department	San Marcos Department
Founded	23 August 1848
Named municipality	21 July 1945
Government
• Type	Municipal democracy
Area
• Total	72 km2 (28 sq mi)
Elevation	3,050 m (10,010 ft)
Population  (2010)
• Total	19,194
• Density	264/km2 (680/sq mi)
Time zone	GMT -6
Climate	Cwb

San José Ojetenam is a small town and municipality in the San Marcos department of Guatemala. Its name comes from a mix of Spanish and Mam. "San José" honors Saint Joseph. "Ojetenam" means "ancient town" in the Mam language.

About San José Ojetenam

San José Ojetenam is located high up in the mountains of Guatemala. It takes about two hours to drive from the closest big town, San Marcos. The capital, Guatemala City, is about 325 kilometers (200 miles) away.

Town Size and Population

In 2008, about 18,000 people lived in the whole municipality. Around 3,930 of them lived right in the town center. The municipality is split into 68 different communities.

High Altitude and Weather

The town center is very high up, at 3,050 meters (10,000 feet) above sea level. This makes the average temperature around 16 °C (61 °F), which is quite cool for a tropical area. Some parts of the municipality are even colder, while others are warmer. In 2008, snow fell for the first time in a long time at Cotzic pass, the highest point.

During the rainy season (May to November), the town often has thick clouds and constant drizzle. But even with the weather, San José offers amazing views and places to hike. You can see far-off volcanoes and even the coast on a clear day.

Local Attractions

San José is home to "El Prado," a place where they raise trout. It's a short walk from the town center. El Prado has a hotel, a place for meetings, and a playground. Visitors can also fish in the pond or take small pedal boats on the water.

People and Culture

Most people in San José Ojetenam identify as Ladinos. Ladinos are Guatemalans who speak Spanish and follow Hispanic culture. There are a few communities that still speak Mam, a Mayan language, and wear traditional clothes.

Many years ago, during the Guatemalan Civil War, indigenous people in the highlands faced dangers. To stay safe, many started dressing and speaking like Ladinos. This change became permanent in San José. Today, most people speak only Spanish.

Economy and Work

Most people in San José, called Ojetecos, are farmers. They grow food mainly for themselves and their families.

Main Crops

Their main crops include:

• Potatoes
• Wheat
• Oats
• Beans
• Maize (corn)
• Squash
• Avocados
• Peaches
• Apples

They also sell and trade these crops on market days, which happen twice a week.

Income from Abroad

Most of the money coming into San José is from remittances. This means family members working in other countries send money back home. Many families have one or more members working abroad. Poorer families often send a male family member to Chiapas, Mexico, to pick coffee once a year. This money also helps the local economy.

History of San José Ojetenam

The municipality was first settled on August 23, 1848. It was called "San José."

Moving the Town

Later, big landslides forced the people to move. They chose a new spot called "Ixjoyon," which means "land prosperous for potato" in the Mam language. This is where the main town has been ever since. A nearby hill is called "Cerro Barrios" (Barrios hill). It's named after General Justo Rufino Barrios, who met with his troops there long ago.

Changes in Status

In 1935, during the time of General Jorge Ubico, San José Ojetenam stopped being a municipality. It became part of Ixchiguán. But this didn't last long. After Ubico was no longer in power in 1945, the new president, Dr. Juan José Arévalo, made it a municipality again on July 21, 1945.

Community Support

Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) work in San José. They help people with farming, protecting forests, starting small businesses, and educating children. Some of these groups include the United States Peace Corps and CARE International.

In 2003, the Cuban government sent two nurses to help at the town's clinic. In 2005, a bus accident happened on the way to the market. More than 90 people were on the bus, and many were injured or died. The town's ambulance was not working at the time.

Climate

San José Ojetenam has a temperate climate. This means it has mild temperatures.

Geographic Location

San José Ojetenam is located 60 kilometers from San Marcos, the capital of the San Marcos Department.

		Tectitán, municipality of Huehuetenango Department
	Concepción Tutuapa and Tejutla, San Marcos, municipalities of San Marcos Department		Tacaná, municipality of San Marcos Department
		San José Ojetenam
		Ixchiguán, municipality of San Marcos Department.

See also

In Spanish: San José Ojetenam para niños