San Juan del Cesar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Juan del Cesar
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Municipality and town
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Location of the municipality and town of San Juan del Cesar in La Guajira Department.
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| Country | Colombia | ||
| Region | Caribbean | ||
| Department | La Guajira | ||
| Foundation | June 24, 1701 by Captain Salvador Felix Arias Pereira | ||
| Area | |||
| • Municipality and town | 1,314 km2 (507 sq mi) | ||
| • Urban | 6.84 km2 (2.64 sq mi) | ||
| Elevation | 250 m (820 ft) | ||
| Population
(2020 est.)
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| • Municipality and town | 49,584 | ||
| • Density | 37.735/km2 (97.73/sq mi) | ||
| • Urban | 35,079 | ||
| • Urban density | 5,129/km2 (13,283/sq mi) | ||
| Time zone | UTC-5 | ||
| Climate | Aw | ||
San Juan del Cesar is a town and a municipality in the La Guajira Department of Colombia. It is located in the northern part of Colombia, a country in South America. The town is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. About 49,584 people live here.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name San Juan del Cesar comes from two parts. "San Juan Bautista" means "John the Baptist" in English. The second part, "Cesar," comes from the indigenous words Chet-tzar or Sasare. These words mean "calm water" and refer to the nearby Cesar River.
A Look Back: San Juan del Cesar's History
Long ago, the area where San Juan del Cesar now stands was home to the Arhuacos tribe. Their leader was a Cacique (a tribal chief) named Marocazo.
How San Juan del Cesar Was Founded
On June 24, 1701, a Spanish captain named Salvador Felix Arias Pereira founded the town. He named it Villa of San Juan Bautista. It was built on Mount Yiyirigak, right by the Cesar River. Captain Arias-Pereira's mission was to make peace with the local indigenous tribes.
Early Days of the Town
San Juan del Cesar quickly became an important stop for travelers. People journeyed between Valledupar and the port of Riohacha. This was a busy trade route for cattle and farm products. The first church in the town was built by a Priest named Gonzalo Suárez Oñate.
Exploring the Geography of San Juan del Cesar
San Juan del Cesar is nestled between two mountain ranges: the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and the Serranía del Perijá. The Cesar River and the Ranchería River flow nearby.
Where is San Juan del Cesar Located?
The municipality shares borders with several other places. To the north, it borders Riohacha and Distracción. To the south, it borders Villanueva, El Molino, and the Cesar Department. To the east, it borders Venezuela. To the west, it borders Riohacha again, along with Dibulla and the Cesar Department.
How Big is San Juan del Cesar?
The total area of San Juan del Cesar is about 1,415 square kilometers. The town area itself is smaller, covering about 141 square kilometers. The rest, about 1,274 square kilometers, is rural land.
What's the Weather Like?
San Juan del Cesar has a warm climate. The average temperature stays around 27°C (81°F) all year round.
What Does San Juan del Cesar Produce?
San Juan del Cesar is an important farming area. It is one of the main places in the La Guajira department where yam (also called Ñame) is grown. Farmers here cultivate yam on about 85 hectares of land. This makes San Juan del Cesar one of the biggest yam producers in the Caribbean region of Colombia.
How San Juan del Cesar is Organized
The municipality of San Juan del Cesar is divided into different areas.
Neighborhoods in the Town
In 2003, the main town of San Juan del Cesar had about 35 neighborhoods. Some of these include Villa Corelca, Gran Colombia, Manzanares, El Centro, La Floresta, San Rafael, Regional, La Victoria, Juan Bautista Forero, Loma Fresca, Manzanillo, Paraíso de Betel, La Esperanza, 16 de Julio, Norte Félix Arias, 20 de Julio, Buenos Aires, El Prado, Las Delicias, Alpes, Enrique Brito, El Carmen, San Francisco, Juan Antonio Araujo, Rafael de Armas, Las Tunas I y II, Chiquinquirá, Villa Hermosa, Manuel Antonio Dávila, San Juan Bautista, Chapinero, Los Ángeles, and Los Olivos.
Rural Areas and Villages
The municipality also includes several smaller areas outside the main town. These are called Corregimientos, Centros Poblados, and Veredas.
- Corregimientos: Cañaverales, Caracolí, Corral de Piedras, El Totumo, Guayacanal, La Junta, La Peña, Los Haticos, Los Pondores, Villa del río.
- Centros Poblados: Boca del Monte, Corralejas, Curazao, El Hatico de los Indios, El Tablazo, La Peña de los Indios, Lagunita, Los Cardones, El Placer, Los Pozos, La Sierrita, Pondorito, Potrerito, Zambrano.
- Veredas: Boca del Monte, Copo de Nieve, Curazao, El Caney, El Capuchino, El Carmen, El Limón, El Machín, El Pital, El Placer, El Playón, El Voladorcito, Farias, La Loma del Potrero, Los Tamacos, Los Tunales, Piloncito, Sabana Grande, Sabanas de Joaquina, San Benito, Tocapalma, Torcuatopinto, Ulago.
Special Places to Visit
In 2021, San Juan del Cesar was chosen as one of 25 municipalities for the "Pueblos que Enamoran" (Towns that Enchant) program. This is because of its historical sites and tourist spots, especially "La Ruta del Cacique" (The Cacique's Route).
Churches with History
San Juan del Cesar has several important churches.
- San Juan Bautista Parish: This modern church was built between 1944 and 1945. Before it was built, the community used a small chapel near the cemetery.
- Lagunita Church: This church was named a special heritage site in July 2003. People gather here for celebrations honoring San Rafael Arcángel.
- San Francisco de Asis Church: Located in the village of Pondores, this church has also been a cultural heritage site since 2003.
Museums and Cultural Spots
San Juan del Cesar also has places where you can learn about its culture and history.
- Manuel Antonio Dávila House of Culture: This building was declared a national heritage site in July 2003. It hosts cultural events, like displays of historical photographs.
- Ventana Marroncita (The Brown Window): This spot is part of the Cacique's Route. It inspired the famous musician Diomedes Diaz's album "Tres Canciones." Located in the village of La Junta, this museum displays Diomedes' clothing and photos.
- Diomedes Diaz Gallery: Also in La Junta, Diomedes' eldest daughter, Rosa Elvira Diaz Mejia, has a gallery with her father's personal belongings.
Images for kids
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The flag of San Juan del Cesar.
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The coat of arms of San Juan del Cesar.
See also
In Spanish: San Juan del Cesar para niños
