Teustepe Explained

Teustepe
Settlement Type:Municipality
Pushpin Map:Nicaragua
Pushpin Label Position:right
Pushpin Mapsize:250
Pushpin Map Caption:Location in Nicaragua
Subdivision Type:Country
Subdivision Name: Nicaragua
Subdivision Type1:Department
Subdivision Name1:Boaco Department
Unit Pref:Imperial
Area Total Km2:645.73
Population As Of:2005
Population Total:26265
Population Density Km2:auto
Population Urban:3953
Coordinates:12.4167°N -133°W

Teustepe is a municipality in the Boaco department of Nicaragua. It has a population of 26,800 (2006, est.) and an extension of 645.73 km2. The capital is the town of Teustepe, 94 km. from Managua with a population of 3,500 (2006, est.).

Teustepe is sustained mainly by the agricultural sector, with about 20,000 units of livestock and secondly by agricultural activities. There are also some incipient tourism in the Aguas Termales (termal waters) region and a very small scale family-based industry (handicrafts mainly) in the urban and rural areas.

The current mayor of the municipality of Teustepe is Ada Lila Incer from the FSLN

History

The name Teustepe have its origin in the Chorotega native language. Teote (God) and Tepec (Place or Town), that means Town, Valley or Place of God. The indigenous population established originally in El Tamarindo, NW of the town's actual position. Due to the constant flood of the Malacatoya River, the population moved between September and December 1776 to a place formerly known as Camoapilla, now the town of Teustepe.Teustepe is of historical importance for its resistance during the war against filibuster William Walker. The Military District of Teustepe was created by the initiative of General Tomás Martínez on April, 1861. It had under its jurisdiction the towns of Boaco, San Lorenzo y San José de los Remates. On 28 February 1970, Teustepe was declared city by law.

Local festivities

The festivities in honor of Santa Rita de Casia are held between May 18–23. Another important event is in honor of the Virgin of Candelaria on February 2.

12.4167°N -133°W