Sutamarchán Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Sutamarchán

Municipality and town

Central square and church of Sutamarchán

Flag

Location of the municipality and town of Sutamarchán in the Boyacá Department of Colombia

Country

Colombia

Department

Boyacá Department

Province

Ricaurte Province

Founded

14 December 1556

Founded by

Antonio de Santana

Area

• Municipality and town

102 km² (39 sq mi)

• Urban

8 km² (3 sq mi)

Elevation

1,800 m (5,900 ft)

Population

(2015)

• Municipality and town

5,916

• Density

58.00/km² (150.2/sq mi)

• Urban

1,352

Time zone

UTC-5 (Colombia Standard Time)

Website

Official website: http://www.sutamarchan-boyaca.gov.co/

Sutamarchán is a cool town and a municipality in Colombia. It's located in the Boyacá department, which is like a state. This town is part of the Ricaurte Province. Sutamarchán sits on a high plain called the Altiplano Cundiboyacense. It is about 44 kilometers (27 miles) away from Tunja, the capital city of Boyacá. The town is surrounded by other municipalities. To the north, it borders Santa Sofía. To the east, you'll find Sáchica and Villa de Leyva. On its west side is Saboyá, and to the south are Ráquira and Tinjacá.

What Does Sutamarchán Mean?
A Look at Sutamarchán's Past
- Early Inhabitants: The Muisca People
- Founding of Modern Sutamarchán
What Sutamarchán is Known For
- Local Economy and Products
- Famous Sausages and Festivals
People from Sutamarchán
Gallery
Panoramas
See also

What Does Sutamarchán Mean?

The name Sutamarchán has an interesting history. It comes from two parts. Suta is from the Chibcha language. It refers to a powerful leader or "sovereign" of the Muisca people. The second part, marchán, is a Spanish word meaning "merchant." This refers to Pedro Merchan de Velasco. He was a Spanish official in the 1700s who managed the land and people of Suta. So, the name means "Merchant of the sovereign Suta."

A Look at Sutamarchán's Past

Early Inhabitants: The Muisca People

Long before the Spanish arrived, the area of Sutamarchán was home to the Muisca. They were a group of indigenous people in Colombia. The Muisca lived in a loose group of communities called the Muisca Confederation. Sutamarchán was under the rule of the zaque of Hunza. The zaque was a very important leader.

Founding of Modern Sutamarchán

The modern town of Sutamarchán was officially started on December 14, 1556. It was founded by a person named Antonio de Santana. This happened after the Spanish arrived in the area.

What Sutamarchán is Known For

Local Economy and Products

The people of Sutamarchán mainly make their living through a few key activities. These include agriculture (farming), raising livestock (farm animals), and tourism. Farmers in Sutamarchán grow many different crops. Some of these are potatoes, onions, tomatoes, barley, maize (corn), and grapes. They also grow a special Colombian fruit called curuba.

Famous Sausages and Festivals

Sutamarchán is especially famous for its delicious longaniza sausages. These are a must-try if you visit! The town is also known for its tourism, especially religious tourism. Many visitors come to see the beautiful Santo Ecce Homo Convent.

Since 2004, Sutamarchán has hosted a fun festival called Tomatina. It's like the famous tomato-throwing festival in Spain. People gather to throw tomatoes in a playful, messy celebration!