Tobatí facts for kids
Tobatí is a city located in the Cordillera Department of Paraguay. It's part of the Tobatí District. About 9,688 people live in this city.
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History of Tobatí
Tobatí was started in June 1539 by Domingo Martínez de Irala. The name 'Tobatí' has a few interesting meanings. Some say it comes from a Spanish word for 'rocky land'. Others believe it comes from the Guaraní language. It might mean "nose on the face" from the words "tova" (face) and "tí" (nose). Another idea is that it comes from a legend. This legend tells of a white-faced warrior priest. He was said to lead tribes to a great future.
Key Figures in Tobatí's History
One of Paraguay's greatest heroes came from Tobatí. His name was Captain Pedro Juan Caballero. He was a leader in the Paraguayan War for Independence from Spain. Captain Caballero was known as a very smart military planner. After the war, he helped govern Paraguay. He served on the governing group called the Junta. This was before Doctor José Gaspar Rodríguez de Francia became the "Perpetual Dictator."
Studies About Tobatí
Tobatí has been the subject of two important studies. These studies looked at how people live in the town. One book is called Tobati: A Paraguayan Town. It was written by Helen and Elman Service. The second book is named Tobati : tradicion y cambio en un pueblo paraguayo. Diego Hay wrote this book.
Religion in Tobatí
Like most towns in Paraguay, Tobatí is mostly Roman Catholic. There are also smaller groups of Evangelical, Baptist, and Jehovah’s Witnesses communities. The town is divided into neighborhoods called Barrios. These Barrios are often named after Saints. Each Barrio celebrates its Saint's feast day as a special event. The most important religious day is December 8. This is the feast day of Mary of the Immaculate Conception. She is the Patron Saint of Tobatí.
The Holy Carving of the Virgin Mary
The church in Tobatí holds a special carving. It is a holy statue of the Virgin Mary of Immaculate Conception. An indigenous person who became Christian carved it many years ago. This person was being chased by their tribe. The tribe wanted to harm them for becoming Christian. The person hid behind a tree and prayed to the Virgin Mary. They promised to create an icon if they were protected. The tribe passed by without seeing them. After that, the person carved two statues of the Holy Virgin. One is in the church in Tobatí. The other is in the Basilica in nearby Caacupe.
Culture and Artwork in Tobatí
Tobatí is famous throughout Paraguay for its amazing artwork. Local artists create beautiful things from wood. They also make ceramics and sculptures. One artist, Don Zenón Páez, is known all over the world for his work.
Tobatí's Economy
The main way people in Tobatí earn money is by making building materials. Most of the roofing tiles and bricks used in Paraguay come from Tobatí. Many factories in the city produce these materials. Tobatí also exports many of its products. They send them to neighboring countries like Argentina and Brazil.
How Building Materials Are Made
Some factories in Tobatí use modern machines and electric ovens. Others mix old and new methods. But most factories still use traditional ways. First, clay is ground in wooden machines. Horses or mules walk in circles to power these machines. Then, workers use hand molds to shape the tiles and bricks. These are left in the sun to dry. Finally, the products are cooked in wood-fired ovens. This process takes 24 hours or even longer.
Team Tobatí: A Community Project
Every year, a group of about 100 students visits Tobatí. These students come from the Kingswood Oxford School in West Hartford, Connecticut. This project started because of a teacher named Ron Garcia. His family is from Tobatí, and he still has many relatives there.
Helping the Community
Team Tobatí sends a large group of students and healthcare workers. They travel to Tobatí during their spring break. This is a public service trip. They work with villages in the countryside. Their goal is to help people get healthcare and education. Smaller groups of students and medical experts also visit at other times of the year. Team Tobatí has also helped build an artisan village. They also funded an educational institute. These places are kept running all year long.
See also
In Spanish: Tobatí para niños
