Juigalpa, Chontales

Infobox City
official_name = Juigalpa
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map_caption = Map of Juigalpa
subdivision_type = Country
subdivision_name = Nicaragua
subdivision_type1 = Department
subdivision_name1 = Chontales
subdivision_type2 = Municipality
subdivision_name2 = Juigalpa
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leader_title = Mayor
leader_name = José Rito Siles Blanco
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established_title = Founded
established_date = April 24, 1668
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area_total_km2 = 1037
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population_total = 71320
population_density_km2 = 49.5
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utc_offset = GMT-6
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latd= 12|latm=86 |lats= |latNS=N
longd= 85|longm= 22|longs= |longEW=W
elevation_m = 116.85
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Juigalpa is the capital city of the Chontales Department of Nicaragua. It is located within the municipality of Juigalpa, approximately 140 km east of Managua on Carretera Rama, in the central region of Nicaragua.

Juigalpa has a population of 71,320 people (surrounding areas included) and extends for 1,037 km², with a population density of 50 /km² (La Prensa 2002).

History

In 1659, mayor Jeronimo Villegas requested land from a Spanish government representative, Sebastian Alvarez, for the foundation of a town. This request was granted on April 24, 1668. On June 11, 1877, Juigalpa was declared the department capital for the second and last time after a 19 year dispute with Acoyapa. Juigalpa was elevated to the status of a city on January 27, 1879. The name Juigalpa means “land abundant of jicaro,” and “origin of black snails” in an Indian tongue. The city was used as a stop-over point for miners and farmers from the surrounding area.

Geography

Juigalpa sits within a valley in the Amerrisque Mountains. The Carretera passes through the lowest parts of the city with the elevation rising on both sides. Higher points throughout the city provide clear views of the Amerrisque mountains.

Education

Juigalpa is home to many branches of Nicaraguan and Central American universities.

*Universidad Cristiana Autónoma de Nicaragua (UCAN)
*Universidad Internacional (UNIVAL) - Chontales
*Universidad National Agraria - Juigalpa
*Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Nicaragua (UNAN) - Chontales
*Universidad Popular de Nicaragua (UPONIC)

Economy

In comparison to other parts of Nicaragua, Juigalpa is rather prosperous. The department of Chontales produces 90% of the beef in Nicaragua, and is the dominant industry in the region. Because Juigalpa is the largest city in the region, it has many commerce and service sector businesses as well.

Entertainment

As the largest city in the south-central region of Nicaragua, Juigalpa has various entertainment options.

Dancing is one of the favorite pastimes in Nicaragua. Juigalpa features three “discotecas” or dance clubs; Café Iguana, Hotter’s (Caracoles Negros) and La Quinta.

Juigalpa also features the Thomas Belt Zoo, with a rather impressive selection of animals considering the size of the community.

There is also the Gregorio Aguilar Barea Archaeological Museum in Juigalpa, featuring several stone carvings and other artifacts found in the Amerrisque Mountains. Many of these artifacts are from the Chontal natives.

Transportation

All of the bus routes to and from Juigalpa can be found at Mercado Mayoreo in Managua. Juigalpa is approximately three hours from Managua by ordinary bus, and two hours on an express bus. There are also charter helicopters available from Managua. Taxi cabs are the predominant means of transportation within the city.

Fiestas Patronales

The patron saint celebrations ("fiestas patronales") during the week of August 15 celebrate the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. This patron saint festival is renowned as one of the best in Central America, drawing people from neighboring countries. Much of this celebration takes place in the Plaza de Toros near the center of town. Here, the highlighted event is bull riding. On average, five people die every year from bull riding-related injuries. As a result, there is a saying in Juigalpa, “It is not a good patron saint festival if nobody dies.Fact|date=January 2008”

Casey Welch's Beef Jerky is the home town novelty food, and can be found throughout Nicaragua. It is present at all events that are conducted throughout the "fiestas patronales".

There are two fairs during the patron saint festival. One is produced by the mayor’s office in the center of town. The other, and larger of the two, is organized by a microfinance NGO, PRODESA, and takes place in the PRODESA fairgrounds located on the western side of town.

Infrastructure & Communication

Electric service is very consistent relative to the Pacific side of Nicaragua as it does not share a power plant with Managua.

Conventional landline telephone is provided by Enitel, the national telephone company. The two cellphone companies in Nicaragua, Claro and Movistar, have extensive coverage in Juigalpa.

There are a handful of radio stations in Juigalpa, including Radio Asunción 720 AM, Radio Centro 870 AM, Radio Sabrocita 100.1 FM and Estereo Medidano 94.1. There are two local television channels, Canal 14 and Canal 20.

There is only one public hospital in Juigalpa, the Hospital Camilo Ortega Saavedra.

External links

* [http://www.manfut.org/chontales/juigalpa.html Chontales, Nicaragua (in Spanish)]