Santiago Chimaltenango facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Santiago Chimaltenango
Chimb´al
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Municipality
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 Santiago Chimaltenango
Location in Guatemala
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| Country |  Guatemala |
| Department |  Huehuetenango |
| Municipality | Santiago Chimaltenango |
| Area | |
| • Municipality | 37.4 km2 (14.4 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 1,901 m (6,237 ft) |
| Population
(census 2018)
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| • Municipality | 10,507 |
| • Density | 280.9/km2 (727.6/sq mi) |
| • Urban | 5,841 |
| • Ethnicities | Mam Ladino |
| • Religions | Roman Catholicism Evangelicalism Maya |
| Time zone | UTC-6 |
| Area code(s) | 502 |
| Climate | Cwb |
Santiago Chimaltenango is a town and municipality in Guatemala. It is located in the Huehuetenango department. The town is named after Saint James, an important figure in Christianity.
Every year, the town celebrates its main festival, known as fiestas patronales. These celebrations take place from July 21 to July 25. Many people from Santiago Chimaltenango live abroad, especially in the American states of California and Florida. The cities of Oakland and Los Angeles have the largest groups of people from this area.
Most people in the municipality are Mam people. They speak the Mam language, which is very common there.
Contents
Discovering Santiago Chimaltenango
A Look at History
Santiago Chimaltenango has an interesting past. The municipality was once closed down on December 11, 1935. But it was later reopened on February 2, 1948. This shows how communities can change and grow over time.
The main language spoken here is Mam. Specifically, people speak Northern Mam. This is a special part of their culture and history.
Learning and Education
Education is important in Santiago Chimaltenango. One key school is the Escuela Nacional Urbana Mixta Santiago Chimaltenango. This school helps children learn and grow.
How People Make a Living
The economy of Santiago Chimaltenango mainly relies on farming. Farmers grow many different crops. These include:
- Corn
- Beans
- Potatoes
- Coffee
- Sugar cane
- Bananas
People also create beautiful handmade items. They make crafts from cotton and wool. These items show off their traditional skills.
The Land and Its Climate
Santiago Chimaltenango is surrounded by other municipalities.
- To the north are Concepción and Todos Santos Cuchumatán.
- To the east is San Juan Atitán.
- To the south and west is Colotenango.
- To the west is also San Pedro Nécta.
The town is about 317 kilometers (197 miles) from Guatemala City, the capital of Guatemala. The weather in Santiago Chimaltenango is generally cool and mild.
Places to Visit
Santiago Chimaltenango has some interesting places for visitors.
- Tecpán: This is an important archaeological site. It holds clues about ancient cultures.
- Balneario La Laguna: This is a fun waterpark. It's a great spot for relaxation and enjoyment.
Who Lives Here
In 2012, there were about 7,250 people living in Santiago Chimaltenango. The population has grown since then.
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Two Mam girls
Traditional Sounds
Santiago Chimaltenango is known for its unique marimba music. The marimba is a musical instrument similar to a xylophone. It is very popular in Guatemala.
One famous marimba group from the area is called La Unica Chimalteca. Their music is a big part of the local culture.
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A marimba instrument
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A traditional marimba with gourds
See also
In Spanish: Santiago Chimaltenango para niños
