Zunil facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zunil
Municipality
Panorama, 2009
Zunil Location in Guatemala
Country	Guatemala
Department	Quetzaltenango
Area
• Municipality	80 km2 (30 sq mi)
Elevation	2,076 m (6,811 ft)
Population  (2018 census)
• Municipality	14,118
• Density	176/km2 (457/sq mi)
• Urban	10,792
Climate	Cwb

Zunil (pronounced su-NEEL) is a town and a local government area called a municipality in Guatemala. It is part of the Quetzaltenango department. The municipality covers about 80 square kilometers (31 square miles).

The town of Zunil is located about 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) from the city of Quetzaltenango. It sits right next to the Salamá River. Zunil is high up, about 2075 meters (6808 feet) above sea level. In 2018, the municipality had 14,118 people living there. All of the people are indigenous, meaning they are native to the area. They speak both the Kʼicheʼ language and Spanish.

Around Zunil, you can find natural hot springs with water heated by volcanoes. Famous ones include Fuentes Georginas and those near Almolonga. These hot springs are popular places to visit.

Local Traditions

Zunil is known for its special traditions, especially the worship of a figure called San Simón or Maximón. This is a life-sized figure that looks like a person. It represents a Maya god.

Each year, the figure of San Simón is moved to a different house in the town. Many people come to visit this special shrine. They often leave gifts as a sign of respect.

Zunil's Namesake

Did you know that a place on Mars is named after Zunil? There is a crater on Mars that shares the name. Scientists think this crater might be where some Mars meteorites found on Earth came from.

Images for kids

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  Indoor market

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  Church in Zunil

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  Panorama of Zunil

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  Buses in Zunil

See also

In Spanish: Zunil para niños