San Miguel de Sema facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Miguel de Sema
|
||
|---|---|---|
|
Municipality and town
|
||
View of San Miguel de Sema
|
||
|
||
Location of the municipality and town of San Miguel de Sema in the Boyacá Department of Colombia
|
||
| Country |  Colombia |
|
| Department | Boyacá Department | |
| Province | Western Boyacá Province | |
| Founded | 8 November 1915 | |
| Area | ||
| • Municipality and town | 90 km2 (30 sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 0.21 km2 (0.08 sq mi) | |
| Elevation | 2,615 m (8,579 ft) | |
| Population
(2015)
|
||
| • Municipality and town | 4,556 | |
| • Density | 50.6/km2 (131/sq mi) | |
| • Urban | 488 | |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) | |
| Website | Official website: http://www.sanmigueldesema-boyaca.gov.co/ | |
San Miguel de Sema is a town and a municipality in Boyacá Department, Colombia. It is part of the Western Boyacá Province. This town is one of 123 municipalities in the Boyacá department. It is located in the western part of the department. The main town area is about 2,615 metres (8,579 ft) above sea level. San Miguel de Sema shares borders with several other towns. These include Chiquinquirá, Simijaca, and Fúquene in Cundinamarca Department. It also borders Ráquira and Tinjacá in Boyacá.
| Top - 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
What Does San Miguel de Sema Mean?
The name San Miguel de Sema comes from two parts. San Miguel is the Spanish name for the archangel Saint Michael. The second part, Sema, comes from the name of a tribe. This tribe, called Sema or Semita, lived in the area a long time ago. They were there before the Spanish arrived.
How San Miguel de Sema Started
Early Inhabitants: The Muisca People
The area where San Miguel de Sema is located was once home to the Muisca. This region is in the valley between Chiquinquirá and Ubaté. The Muisca had a loose group of communities called a confederation.
A local leader, called a cacique, ruled over San Miguel de Sema. This cacique was loyal to the zaque. The zaque was a powerful Muisca ruler based in Hunza.
Founding of the Town
The town of San Miguel de Sema was officially founded on November 8, 1915. It was recognized as a full municipality in 1960.
In 1925, a group of judges helped organize the area. They combined older paths and areas like Sirigay, Quintone, and Peñablanca. Luis Alberto Ospina was a key leader in this effort. He worked to create the municipality until he passed away. His children continued his work, and the municipality was finally established in 1960.
What San Miguel de Sema Produces
Farming and Cattle
The main way people in San Miguel de Sema make money is through dairy farming. They especially raise Holstein cattle. This type of cow is known for producing a lot of milk.
Milk production is very important here. Many companies that make dairy products have built storage centers in the area. This helps them collect the milk from local farms.
Some parts of the municipality still focus on growing crops. The main crops are potatoes and corn.
Fun Things to See and Do
Local Church
The town's church is dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel (San Miguel Arcángel). It is considered one of the most beautiful churches in the Boyacá department.
Lake Fúquene
San Miguel de Sema also gives you access to Lake Fúquene. This large lake is a beautiful natural spot.
Celebrations and Festivals
San Miguel de Sema holds special fairs and celebrations every year. These events happen in the second week of November, usually on the 10th, 11th, and 12th. People from the town and nearby areas come together for these festivities.
The celebrations include traditional bull runs. There are also shows featuring horses and cattle. The town's patron saint is San Miguel Arcángel, and these celebrations honor him.
Images for kids
-
Central square and church
-
Church
-
Cattle farming in rural San Miguel de Sema
Lake Fúquene in the background -
Tunnel in San Miguel de Sema
See also
In Spanish: San Miguel de Sema para niños
