San Vicente, Antioquia facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
San Vicente
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Municipality and town
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![]() Location of the municipality and town of San Vicente in the Antioquia Department of Colombia
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Department | ![]() |
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Subregion | Eastern | ||
Area | |||
• Total | 243 km2 (94 sq mi) | ||
Population
(Census 2018)
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• Total | 18,051 | ||
• Density | 74.28/km2 (192.4/sq mi) | ||
Time zone | UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time) |
San Vicente Ferrer is a small town and a municipality in the Antioquia Department of Colombia. A municipality is like a local government area. In 2018, about 18,051 people lived there. San Vicente is part of a larger area called Eastern Antioquia.
This town is surrounded by other municipalities. To the north, you'll find Barbosa and Concepción. El Peñol is to the east. Guarne and Girardota are located to the west. San Vicente is about 48 kilometers (30 miles) from Medellín. Medellín is the capital city of Antioquia. The total area of San Vicente is 243 square kilometers (94 square miles).
Contents
Discovering San Vicente's Past
Who Lived Here First?
Long ago, the area around San Vicente was home to native groups. These included the Tahamíes and the Catíos people. They were the very first known residents of this region. In the 1500s, this community began to mine for minerals.
When Was San Vicente Founded?
In 1759, two brothers, José and Eusebio Ceballos Rojas, gave land for a chapel. They were descendants of early Spanish explorers. This year, 1759, is officially when San Vicente was founded. The Ceballos Rojas brothers are known as the town's founders.
How Did San Vicente Get Its Name?
The people living here wanted to name their new community after a Catholic saint. They chose San Vicente Ferrer. He was an important saint from Valencia, Spain. Another important figure for the town is the Virgin, Señora del Rosario de Chiquinquíra. The community still celebrates both of these religious icons today.
How Did the Town's Economy Change?
After a time, the people of San Vicente Ferrer stopped focusing on mining. Instead, they started to raise animals and grow crops. This focus on farming and livestock continues to be important for the town's economy even now.
Getting Around San Vicente
How to Reach San Vicente?
San Vicente is connected to the main highway that goes between Medellín and Bogotá. You can drive from Medellín to San Vicente in about an hour. It's also only about 25 minutes from Rionegro. There are also unpaved roads that connect San Vicente to the towns of Concepción and El Peñol.
What Does San Vicente Produce?
Main Industries and Products
The economy of San Vicente is based on a few key activities:
- Agriculture: Farmers grow many different crops. These include beans, potatoes, corn, and various fruits and vegetables that like cool weather.
- Mining: Some mineral mining still takes place.
- Livestock: Raising all kinds of animals is a big part of the economy.
- Trade: Buying and selling goods is also important.
San Vicente is especially known for making cabuya. This is a strong material made from the local Fique plant. Many handmade items are created from cabuya. These include carpets, fabrics, curtains, and even hangers for clothes. People in San Vicente also create beautiful items from carved wood and wicker.
Fun Events in San Vicente
San Vicente hosts several exciting events throughout the year:
- Patron of the Virgin of Chiquinquíra: Celebrated from July 1 to 9.
- Virgin of Carmen: This event takes place on the last Saturday of July.
- Carnival Antioqueñidad: A fun carnival held on August 11.
- Hill Parties: Also known as "las colinas," these parties happen from December 5 to 7.
- San Vicente Ferrer Celebrations: The town celebrates its patron saint on April 5.
- Traders' Market: You can find this market on the first Sunday of every month.