Somoto, Madriz facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Somoto
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Municipality
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The Parroquia Santiago in central Somoto.
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 Somoto
Location in Nicaragua
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| Country |  Nicaragua |
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| Department | Madriz | ||
| Area | |||
| • Municipality | 180 sq mi (466 km2) | ||
| Population
(2022 estimate)
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| • Municipality | 40,322 | ||
| • Density | 224.11/sq mi (86.53/km2) | ||
| • Urban | 21,211 | ||
| Climate | Aw | ||
Somoto is a lively city and municipality found in the northern hills of Nicaragua. It is the capital of the Madriz region. You can find Somoto about 20 kilometers (12 miles) southwest of Ocotal. It is also 51 kilometers (32 miles) northwest of Estelí.
The city sits right on the Pan-American Highway. It is only about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from the border with Honduras. People from the ancient Olmec and Aztec groups, who came from what is now Mexico, first settled Somoto. Today, it is a key center for business and culture in Madriz.
Somoto has become a popular place for tourists. This is thanks to the amazing Somoto Canyon. This natural wonder was discovered just 13 kilometers (8 miles) west of the city. The Somoto Municipality is home to about 40,322 people. Around 21,211 live in the city itself, and 19,111 live in 48 smaller communities nearby.
The city is also known as La Flor de Henequén, which means 'the Flower of Henequen'. This name comes from the special plant grown in the area. Somoto is also famous for its rosquillas somoteñas. These are tasty, crispy corn biscuits that come in many flavors.
Contents
History of Somoto
Early Settlements and Name Origins
Somoto was first settled by ancient Olmec and Aztec people from Mexico. Later, groups like the Chorotegas and Nicaraguas also lived there. The name Somoto comes from the Nahuatl word Tépecxomotl. This means 'Valley of Geese'.
Old Spanish records from 1591 called the city Santiago de Tepesomoto. Even though everyone now calls it Somoto, the name Tepesomoto is still used. It refers to the volcano that overlooks the city to the south. This volcano is part of the Tepesomoto-La Patasta Nature Reserve.
Becoming a City and Capital
Somoto officially became a town in January 1867. It was then granted city status in March 1895. Since November 1936, Somoto has been the capital city of Madriz. This happened when Madriz separated from the Nueva Segovia region.
Historic Buildings and Famous People
Somoto's old church, called the Temple of Saint James the Apostle (Templo Santiago Apostól), was built in 1661. It is in the heart of Somoto, across from the main park. This makes it one of Nicaragua's oldest churches still standing. It was built 86 years before the Cathedral of León. However, the front of the church and its bell tower were rebuilt in 1875.
Near Somoto is the Cacaulí Sanctuary. This is a special place for religious visits. People started going there after a boy said he saw the Virgin Mary while gathering wood in 1990.
Many famous Nicaraguan singer-songwriters were born in Somoto. These include the brothers Carlos Mejía Godoy and Luís Enrique Mejía Godoy. Their nephew, Luis Enrique, who is also a singer, was born here too.
Things to Do in Somoto
Exploring Somoto Canyon
Somoto is becoming a popular place for visitors. However, it still has fewer than 10 hotels. Most tourists come to Somoto to go tubing in the amazing Monumento Nacional Cañón de Somoto. This beautiful canyon is even shown on the 50 cordoba banknote. It has also been mentioned in popular travel guides like Lonely Planet and Tripadvisor.
Taste of Somoto: Rosquillas
Somoto is often said to be the birthplace of the Rosquilla. This is a traditional Nicaraguan snack. Rosquillas are made by shaping cornmeal into rings. They have a sweet cane sugar center. Then, they are baked in large ovens heated by wood. You can take tours of a Rosquilla factory in Somoto. These tours often include samples and a chance to learn how to make them yourself.
Somoto's Global Connections
Sister Cities Around the World
Somoto has special connections with cities in other countries. These are called "sister city" relationships. The Merced/Somoto Sister City Committee was formed in 1988. This group helped Somoto become an official sister city with Merced, USA, in 1992.
Somoto also has links with other cities, including:
- Lasarte-Oria, Basque Country, Spain
- Llodio, Basque Country, Spain
- Leganés, Madrid, Spain
- Vic, Catalonia, Spain
- Fougères, Brittany, France
Sports in Somoto
Somoto is home to the Real Madriz football team. They are a local sports team that plays in the city.
See also
In Spanish: Somoto para niños
