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{{short description|City in Guatemala}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox settlement {{Infobox settlement
|name = Quetzaltenango | name = Quetzaltenango
|native_name = Xelajú | native_name = {{nativename|quc|Xelajú}}
|settlement_type = Municipality and city | settlement_type = Municipality and city
|image_skyline = Xela-Cuna de la Cultura.jpg | image_skyline = Xela-Cuna de la Cultura.jpg
|imagesize =250px | imagesize = 250px
|image_caption = Historical buildings, Streets, Minerva Temple, Arch sixth state of Los Altos, Interior of Municipal Theater and Historical center. | image_caption = Historical buildings, Streets, Minerva Temple, Arch sixth state of Los Altos, Interior of ] and Historical center.
| image_flag = Bandera de Quetzaltenango.svg | image_flag =
| image_seal = | image_seal =
|pushpin_map = Guatemala<!-- the name of a location map as per https://web.archive.org/web/20090304143229/http://en.wikipedia.org/Template:Location_map --> | pushpin_map = Guatemala<!-- the name of a location map as per https://web.archive.org/web/20090304143229/http://en.wikipedia.org/Template:Location_map -->
|pushpin_label_position =bottom | pushpin_label_position = bottom
|pushpin_map_caption =Location in Guatemala | pushpin_map_caption = Location in Guatemala
|subdivision_type = Country | subdivision_type = Country
|subdivision_name = {{flag|Guatemala}} | subdivision_name = {{flag|Guatemala}}
|subdivision_type1 = ] | subdivision_type1 = ]
|subdivision_name1 = ] ] | subdivision_name1 = ] ]
|subdivision_type2 = ] | subdivision_type2 = ]
|subdivision_name2 = | subdivision_name2 =
|government_type = Municipality | government_type = Municipality
|leader_title = ] | leader_title = ]
|leader_name = Juan Fernando López, ] | leader_name = Juan Fernando López, ]
|established_title = Foundation | established_title = Spanish Foundation
|established_date = May 7, 1524 | established_date = May 15, 1524
|area_magnitude = | area_magnitude =
|unit_pref = Metric | unit_pref = Metric
|area_total_km2 = 122 | area_total_km2 = 122
|area_land_km2 = | area_land_km2 =
|area_water_km2 = | area_water_km2 =
|area_water_percent = | area_water_percent =
|area_urban_km2 = | area_urban_km2 =
|area_metro_km2 = | area_metro_km2 =
|area_blank1_title = | area_blank1_title =
|area_blank1_km2 = | area_blank1_km2 =
|population_as_of = 2018 census | population_as_of = 2018 census
|population_total = 180706 | population_total = 180706
|population_footnotes = <ref> Population of departments and municipalities in Guatemala</ref> | population_footnotes = <ref> Population of departments and municipalities in Guatemala</ref>
|population_density_km2 = auto | population_density_km2 = auto
|population_metro = | population_metro =
|population_density_metro_km2 = | population_density_metro_km2 =
|population_urban = 180706 | population_urban = 180706
|population_urban_footnotes = <ref> Population of the major cities in Guatemala</ref> | population_urban_footnotes = <ref> Population of the major cities in Guatemala</ref>
|population_density_urban_km2 = | population_density_urban_km2 =
|population_demonym = Quetzalteca/o | population_demonym = Quetzalteca/o
|blank1_name = ] | blank1_name = ]
|blank1_info = ] | blank1_info = ]
|timezone = Central America | timezone = Central America
|utc_offset = -6 | utc_offset = -6
|coordinates = {{coord|14|50|40|N|91|30|05|W|region:GT|display=inline}} | coordinates = {{coord|14|50|40|N|91|30|05|W|region:GT|display=inline}}
|elevation_m = 2,330 | elevation_m = 2,330
|postal_code_type = | postal_code_type =
|postal_code = 09001 | postal_code = 09001
|area_code = | area_code =
|blank_name = | blank_name =
}} }}


'''Quetzaltenango''' ({{IPA-es|ketsalteˈnaŋɡo}}, also known by its Maya name '''Xelajú''' {{IPA-myn|ʃelaˈχu|}} or '''Xela''' {{IPA|}}), is both the capital of ] and the municipal seat of Quetzaltenango ] in ]. '''Quetzaltenango''' ({{IPA|es|ketsalteˈnaŋɡo}}, also known by its Maya name '''Xelajú''' {{IPA-myn|ʃelaˈχu|}} or '''Xela''' {{IPA|}}) is both the seat of the ] and ], in ]. The city is located in a mountain valley at an elevation of {{convert|2,330|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} ] at its lowest part. It may reach above {{cvt|2,400|m}} within the city.

The city is located in a mountain valley at an elevation of {{convert|2,330|m|ft|abbr=off|sp=us}} ] at its lowest part. It may reach above {{cvt|2,400|m}} within the city.


The Municipality of Quetzaltenango consists of an area of {{cvt|122|km2}}. Municipalities abutting the municipality of Quetzaltenango include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] in Quetzaltenango department and ] in ] department. The Municipality of Quetzaltenango consists of an area of {{cvt|122|km2}}. Municipalities abutting the municipality of Quetzaltenango include ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] in Quetzaltenango department and ] in ] department.


==History== ==History==
], carved in stone on the grave of heroes in the Cemetery]]
]
⚫ In ] times, Quetzaltenango was a city of the ] ] called Xelajú, although by the time of the ] it had become part of the ]{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}. The name may be derived from ''xe laju' noj'' meaning "under ten mountains". The city was said to have already been over 300 years old when the Spanish first arrived. With the help of his ], ] ] defeated and killed the Maya ruler ] here{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}.


⚫ When Alvarado conquered the city for Spain in the 1520s, he called it by the ] name used by his Central Mexican Indian allies, "Quetzaltenango", generally considered to mean "the place of the ] bird." Quetzaltenango became the city's official name in colonial times{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}. However, many people (especially the indigenous population) continue to call the city "Xelajú" or more commonly "Xela" for short, and some proudly, but unofficially, consider it the "capital of the Mayas".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Quetzaltenango –Xela o Xelajú, Quetzaltenango {{!}} Lugares turísticos, Historia y Cómo Llegar |url=https://www.guatevalley.com/municipio/quetzaltenango-%E2%80%93xela-o-xelaju-quetzaltenango |access-date=2023-03-25 |website=www.guatevalley.com}}</ref>]
⚫ In ] times Quetzaltenango was a city of the ] ] called Xelajú, although by the time of the ] it had become part of the ]{{cn|date=January 2022}}. The name may be derived from ''xe laju' noj'' meaning "under ten mountains". The city was said to have already been over 300 years old when the Spanish first arrived. With the help of his ], ] ] defeated and killed the Maya ruler ] here{{cn|date=January 2022}}.

⚫ When Alvarado conquered the city for Spain in the 1520s, he called it by the ] name used by his Central Mexican Indian allies, "Quetzaltenango", generally considered to mean "the place of the ] bird." Quetzaltenango became the city's official name in colonial times{{cn|date=January 2022}}. However, many people (especially the indigenous population) continue to call the city "Xelajú" or more commonly "Xela" for short, and some proudly, but unofficially, consider it the "capital of the Mayas".{{citation needed|date=December 2012}}


From 1838 to 1840 Quetzaltenango was the capital of the state of ], one of the states or provinces of the ]. As the union broke up, the army of ] conquered Quetzaltenango making it part of Guatemala. In 1850, the city had a population of approximately 20,000.<ref name=Baily1>{{cite book|last=Baily|first=John|title=Central America; Describing Each of the States of Guatemala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica|year=1850|publisher=Trelawney Saunders|location=London|pages=84–85|url=http://www.wdl.org/en/item/7306/view/1/84/}}</ref> From 1838 to 1840 Quetzaltenango was the capital of the state of ], one of the states or provinces of the ]. As the union broke up, the army of ] conquered Quetzaltenango making it part of Guatemala. In 1850, the city had a population of approximately 20,000.<ref name=Baily1>{{cite book|last=Baily|first=John|title=Central America; Describing Each of the States of Guatemala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica|year=1850|publisher=Trelawney Saunders|location=London|pages=84–85|url=http://www.wdl.org/en/item/7306/view/1/84/}}</ref>


During the 19th century, ] was introduced as a major crop in the area. As a result, the economy of Xela prospered{{cn|date=January 2022}}. Much fine ] architecture can still be found in the city.{{cn|date=January 2022}} During the 19th century, ] was introduced as a major crop in the area. As a result, the economy of Xela prospered{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}. Much fine ] architecture can still be found in the city.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}


On October 24, 1902, at 5:00 pm, the ] erupted. Rocks and ash fell on Quetzaltenango at 6 PM, only one hour after the eruption.{{cn|date=January 2022}} On October 24, 1902, at 5:00 pm, the ] erupted. Rocks and ash fell on Quetzaltenango at 6 PM, only one hour after the eruption.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}


In the 1920s, a young ] woman named Vanushka Cardena Barajas died and was buried in the Xela city cemetery. An active legend has developed around her tomb that says those who bring flowers or write a request on her tomb will be reunited with their former romantic partners. The Guatemalan songwriter Alvaro Aguilar wrote a song based on this legend.{{cn|date=January 2022}} In the 1920s, a young ] woman named Vanushka Cardena Barajas died and was buried in the Xela city cemetery. An active legend has developed around her tomb that says those who bring flowers or write a request on her tomb will be reunited with their former romantic partners. The Guatemalan songwriter Alvaro Aguilar wrote a song based on this legend.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}


In 1930 the only electric railway in Guatemala, the '']'', was inaugurated. It was built by ] and ] and had 14 train cars. The track connected Quetzaltenango with ], ]. It was soon destroyed by mudslides and finally demolished in 1933. The people of Quetzaltenango are still very proud of the railway. A ] has been established in the city center.{{cn|date=January 2022}} In 1930 the only electric railway in Guatemala, the '']'', was inaugurated. It was built by ] and ] and had 14 train cars. The track connected Quetzaltenango with ], ]. It was soon destroyed by mudslides and finally demolished in 1933. The people of Quetzaltenango are still very proud of the railway. A ] has been established in the city center.{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}


Since the late 1990s Quetzaltenango has been having an economic boom, which makes it the city with the second-highest contribution to the Guatemalan economy{{cn|date=January 2022}}. With its first high-rise buildings being built, it is expected by 2015{{update needed|date=January 2022}} to have a more prominent skyline, with buildings up to 15 floors tall. Since the late 1990s Quetzaltenango has been having an economic boom, which makes it the city with the second-highest contribution to the Guatemalan economy{{citation needed|date=January 2022}}. With its first high-rise buildings being built, it is expected by 2015{{update inline|date=January 2022}} to have a more prominent skyline, with buildings up to 15 floors tall.
In 2008, the Central American Congress ] stated that every September 15, Quetzaltenango will be ]'s capital of culture.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.guatelog.com/log/576/Historia-de-Quetzaltenango.html |title=GuateLog - ''Historia de Quetzaltenango''<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2011-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426082213/http://www.guatelog.com/log/576/Historia-de-Quetzaltenango.html |archive-date=2012-04-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 2008, the Central American Congress ] announced that every September 15, Quetzaltenango will be ]'s capital of culture.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.guatelog.com/log/576/Historia-de-Quetzaltenango.html |title=GuateLog - ''Historia de Quetzaltenango''<!-- Bot generated title --> |access-date=2011-12-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426082213/http://www.guatelog.com/log/576/Historia-de-Quetzaltenango.html |archive-date=2012-04-26 |url-status=dead }}</ref>


Quetzaltenango was supposed to host ] but dropped out due to a lack of funding for the event.<ref>; ''Ciudad guatemalteca, candidata para Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe 2018.''</ref> Quetzaltenango was supposed to host ] but dropped out due to a lack of funding for the event.<ref>; ''Ciudad guatemalteca, candidata para Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe 2018.''</ref>

In March 2022, indigenous activists began blockading the central waste deposit near Valle de Palajunoj to protest a ] enacted by the municipal authorities in June 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|last1=Escobar |first1=Gilberto |url=https://amerika21.de/blog/2022/04/257520/guatemala-blockaden-im-valle-de-palajuno |title=Guatemala: Ein Tag bei den Blockaden im Valle de Palajunoj |translator-last=Austen |translator-first=Thorben |work=amerika21 |language=German |publisher=Mondial21 e. V. |date=9 April 2022 |access-date=3 November 2022}}</ref>
{{Further|Quetzaltenango Municipal Theatre}}


==Climate== ==Climate==
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] ]


According to ], Quetzaltenango features a ] (''Cwb''). In general, the climate in Quetzaltenango can go from mild to chilly, with occasional sporadic warm episodes. The daily high is usually reached around noon. From then on, temperatures decrease exceptionally fast. The city is quite dry, except during the rainy season. Quetzaltenango is the coolest major city in Guatemala. According to ], Quetzaltenango features a ] (''Cwb''). In general, the climate in Quetzaltenango can go from mild to chilly, with occasional sporadic warm episodes. The daily high is usually reached around noon. From then on, temperatures decrease exceptionally fast. The city is quite dry, except during the rainy season. Quetzaltenango is the coolest major city in Guatemala.


There are two main seasons in Quetzaltenango (as in all of Guatemala); the rainy season, which generally runs from late May through late October, and the dry season, which runs from early November until April. During the rainy season, rain falls consistently, usually in the afternoons, but there are occasions in which it rains all day long or at least during the morning. During the dry season, the city frequently will not receive a single drop of rain for months on end. There are two main seasons in Quetzaltenango (as in all of Guatemala); the rainy season, which generally runs from late May through late October, and the dry season, which runs from early November until April. During the rainy season, rain falls consistently, usually in the afternoons, but there are occasions in which it rains all day long or at least during the morning. During the dry season, the city frequently will not receive a single drop of rain for months on end.
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|Jan record high C = 28.4 |Jan record high C = 28.4
|Feb record high C = 29.8 |Feb record high C = 29.8
|Mar record high C = 29.8 |Mar record high C = 30.0
|Apr record high C = 28.2 |Apr record high C = 28.2
|May record high C = 29.4 |May record high C = 30.2
|Jun record high C = 26.5 |Jun record high C = 26.5
|Jul record high C = 25.2 |Jul record high C = 25.2
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|Nov record high C = 25.6 |Nov record high C = 25.6
|Dec record high C = 26.2 |Dec record high C = 26.2
|year record high C = 29.8 |year record high C =


|Jan high C = 22.0 |Jan high C = 22.0
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== Sports == == Sports ==
Quetzaltenango is home to the ] soccer team. The team competes at ] which has a capacity of 13,500 and is the most successful non-capital team in the ].<ref></ref> Quetzaltenango is home to the ] soccer team. The team competes at ] which has a capacity of 13,500 and is the most successful non-capital team in the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mixelajumc.com/historia/ |title=La historia de un grande del fútbol nacional |website=mixelajumc.com |url-status=unfit |archive-date=2007-05-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070514064854/http://www.mixelajumc.com/historia/}}</ref>


Due to the city's high altitude many athletes have prepared themselves here such as Olympic silver medalist ] and the 2004 Cuban volleyball team.{{cn|date=February 2022}} Due to the city's high altitude many athletes have prepared themselves here such as Olympic silver medalist ] and the 2004 Cuban volleyball team.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}


The swimming team has enjoyed success in national and international events.{{cn|date=February 2022}} The swimming team has enjoyed success in national and international events.{{citation needed|date=February 2022}}


Quetzaltenango withdrew from hosting the ]. It planned to build a 30,000-seat stadium by 2016, as well seven new facilities for indoor sports and aquatics.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323144800/http://noticias.emisorasunidas.com/noticias/nacionales/xela-presenta-candidatura-para-realizar-juegos-centroamericanos-y-del-caribe-201 |date=2012-03-23 }}; ''Xela presenta candidatura para realizar Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe 2018. Radio Emisoras Unidas - en línea desde Guatemala.''</ref> Quetzaltenango withdrew from hosting the ]. It planned to build a 30,000-seat stadium by 2016, as well seven new facilities for indoor sports and aquatics.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120323144800/http://noticias.emisorasunidas.com/noticias/nacionales/xela-presenta-candidatura-para-realizar-juegos-centroamericanos-y-del-caribe-201 |date=2012-03-23 }}; ''Xela presenta candidatura para realizar Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe 2018. Radio Emisoras Unidas - en línea desde Guatemala.''</ref>
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==Education== ==Education==
{{Cleanup rewrite|2=section|date=April 2022}} {{Cleanup rewrite|2=section|date=April 2022}}
Quetzaltenango,(Xela) is the center of many schools and Universities, Language Schools, that provide Education to locals and many thousands of students from the surrounding cities and departments (states) and international students from North America and Europe, that’s the reason it’s a very important city for the south-west/north-west region of the Country of Guatemala, for many decades Quetzaltenango has produced distinguished Citizens through all Educational establishments, among those we can mention: Quetzaltenango (Xela) is the center of many schools and Universities that provide Education to locals and many thousands of students from the surrounding cities and departments (states) and international students from North America and Europe, that's the reason it's a very important city for the south-west/north-west region of the Country of Guatemala, for many decades Quetzaltenango has produced distinguished Citizens through all Educational establishments, among those we can mention:


* * Centro Universitario de Occidente San Carlos de Guatemala (CUNOC)
* ] * ]
* * ]
* ] * ]
* * Universidad de Occidente
* * ]
*
* ] (] affiliated)
*
{{expand section|date=December 2016}}
* (Immersive Spanish language school that focuses on Guatemalan culture, history, and contemporary social issues)
The ] is an American school for the children of Christian missionaries
* Celas Maya Spanish school https://www.celasmaya.edu.gt/
* Centro Bilingue Amerindia https://www.languageinternational.co/school/centro-bilingue-amerindia-cba-spanish-school-63918


==People born in Quetzaltenango== ==People born in Quetzaltenango==
* ] (1820&ndash;1886), religious leader * ] (1820&ndash;1886), religious leader
* ] (1845&ndash;1907), ] * ] (1845&ndash;1907), ]
* ] (1877&ndash;1946), Musician <ref>{{cite web |last1=castillo |first1=jesus |title=Jesús Castillo Historical Marker |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=100766}}</ref> * ] (1877&ndash;1946), Musician <ref>{{cite web |title=Jesús Castillo |website=HMdb.org – The Historical Marker Database |url=https://www.hmdb.org/m.asp?m=100766}}</ref>
* ] (1891&ndash;1966), composer
* ] (1878&ndash;1939), physician and philanthropist * ] (1878&ndash;1939), physician and philanthropist
* ] (1898&ndash;1924), President of Guatemala * ] (1898&ndash;1924), President of Guatemala
* Domingo Bethancourt (1906–1980), Musician{{CN|date=May 2023}}
* Domingo Bethancourt (1906-1980), Musician<ref>{{Citation |title=Domingo Bethancourt |date=2021-11-11 |url=https://es.wikipedia.org/search/?title=Domingo_Bethancourt&oldid=139657945 |work=Misplaced Pages, la enciclopedia libre |language=es |access-date=2022-03-04}}</ref>
* ] (1912&ndash;1988), sculptor * ] (1912&ndash;1988), sculptor
* ] (1928&ndash;2011), engineer, architect, sculptor * ] (1928&ndash;2011), engineer, architect, sculptor
* ] (1913&ndash;1971), ] * ] (1913&ndash;1971), ]
* ] (1927&ndash;1979), economist, finance minister, foreign minister, social-democratic leaders * ] (1927&ndash;1979), economist, finance minister, foreign minister, social-democratic leaders
* Comandante ] (1929-1998), one of the guerrilla leaders in the ] * Comandante ] (1929–1998), one of the guerrilla leaders in the ]
* ] (b. 1931), anthropologist and writer * ] (b. 1931), anthropologist and writer
* ] (b. 1934), poet and revolutionary * ] (b. 1934), poet and revolutionary
* ] (1937-2017), swimmer <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prensalibre.com/hemeroteca/historica-hazaa-cumple-50-aos/|title=Quetzalteco cruza el Canal de la Mancha en 1965 |date=20 September 2015 }}</ref> * ] (1937–2017), swimmer <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.prensalibre.com/hemeroteca/historica-hazaa-cumple-50-aos/|title=Quetzalteco cruza el Canal de la Mancha en 1965 |date=20 September 2015 }}</ref>
* ], founder of international fast-food chain ] * ], founder of international fast-food chain ]
* ] (b. 1947), artist * ] (b. 1947), artist
*] (b. 1983), poet and writer<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.literaturaguatemalteca.org/julioserrano.htm|title=Julio Serrano|website=www.literaturaguatemalteca.org|access-date=2020-01-05}}</ref> *] (b. 1983), poet and writer<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.literaturaguatemalteca.org/julioserrano.htm|title=Julio Serrano|website=www.literaturaguatemalteca.org|access-date=2020-01-05}}</ref>


==Consular representations== ==Consular representations==
* Consulate of El Salvador<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.comunidades.gob.sv/comunidades/comunidades.nsf/pages/CenANoti9-06-181203 |title=Archived copy |website=www.comunidades.gob.sv |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071108234043/http://www.comunidades.gob.sv/comunidades/comunidades.nsf/pages/CenANoti9-06-181203 |archive-date=8 November 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref> * Mobile Consulate of El Salvador<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.comunidades.gob.sv/comunidades/comunidades.nsf/pages/CenANoti9-06-181203 |title=Por primera vez Consulado Móvil a la Ciudad de Quetzaltenango, llevará el Consulado General de Guatemala |website=Comunidad en Accion |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071108234043/http://www.comunidades.gob.sv/comunidades/comunidades.nsf/pages/CenANoti9-06-181203 |archive-date=8 November 2007 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* Consulate of Italy<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.embajada-consulado.com/consulados-de-italia_en_guatemala.html | title=Consulados de Italia en Guatemala }}</ref> * Consulate of Italy (Closed) <ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.embajada-consulado.com/consulados-de-italia_en_guatemala.html | title=Consulados de Italia en Guatemala }}</ref>
* Consulate of Mexico<ref>http://www.sre.gob.mx/quetzaltenango</ref> * Consulate of Mexico<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.sre.gob.mx/quetzaltenango | title=Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores &#124; Gobierno &#124; gob.mx }}</ref>
*Consulate of Spain<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lexureditorial.com/boe/0710/18083.htm |title=Archived copy |website=www.lexureditorial.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617110652/http://www.lexureditorial.com/boe/0710/18083.htm |archive-date=17 June 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> *Honorary Consulate of Spain<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lexureditorial.com/boe/0710/18083.htm |title=Orden AEC/2996/2007, de 1 de octubre, por la que se crea una Oficina Consular Honoraria de España en Quetzaltenango (Guatemala) |website=Lexur Editorial |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080617110652/http://www.lexureditorial.com/boe/0710/18083.htm |archive-date=17 June 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref>


==Twin towns – sister cities== ==Twin towns – sister cities==
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==See also== ==See also==
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]

Latest revision as of 23:33, 12 August 2024

City in Guatemala

Municipality and city in Guatemala
Quetzaltenango Xelajú (K'iche')
Municipality and city
Historical buildings, Streets, Minerva Temple, Arch sixth state of Los Altos, Interior of Municipal Theater and Historical center.Historical buildings, Streets, Minerva Temple, Arch sixth state of Los Altos, Interior of Municipal Theater and Historical center.
Quetzaltenango is located in GuatemalaQuetzaltenangoQuetzaltenangoLocation in Guatemala
Coordinates: 14°50′40″N 91°30′05″W / 14.84444°N 91.50139°W / 14.84444; -91.50139
Country Guatemala
Department Quetzaltenango
Spanish FoundationMay 15, 1524
Government
 • TypeMunicipality
 • MayorJuan Fernando López, Partido Humanista
Area
 • Municipality and city122 km (47 sq mi)
Elevation2,330 m (7,640 ft)
Population
 • Municipality and city180,706
 • Density1,500/km (3,800/sq mi)
 • Urban180,706
DemonymQuetzalteca/o
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central America)
ClimateOceanic climate: subtropical highland variety (Cwb)

Quetzaltenango (Spanish pronunciation: [ketsalteˈnaŋɡo], also known by its Maya name Xelajú [ʃelaˈχu] or Xela ) is both the seat of the namesake Department and municipality, in Guatemala. The city is located in a mountain valley at an elevation of 2,330 meters (7,640 feet) above sea level at its lowest part. It may reach above 2,400 m (7,900 ft) within the city.

The Municipality of Quetzaltenango consists of an area of 122 km (47 sq mi). Municipalities abutting the municipality of Quetzaltenango include Salcajá, Cantel, Almolonga, Zunil, El Palmar, Concepción Chiquirichapa, San Mateo, La Esperanza, and Olintepeque in Quetzaltenango department and San Andrés Xecul in Totonicapán department.

History

Coat of arms of Los Altos, carved in stone on the grave of heroes in the Cemetery

In pre-Columbian times, Quetzaltenango was a city of the Mam Maya people called Xelajú, although by the time of the Spanish Conquest it had become part of the K'iche' Kingdom of Q'umarkaj. The name may be derived from xe laju' noj meaning "under ten mountains". The city was said to have already been over 300 years old when the Spanish first arrived. With the help of his allies, Conquistador Pedro de Alvarado defeated and killed the Maya ruler Tecún Umán here.

When Alvarado conquered the city for Spain in the 1520s, he called it by the Nahuatl name used by his Central Mexican Indian allies, "Quetzaltenango", generally considered to mean "the place of the quetzal bird." Quetzaltenango became the city's official name in colonial times. However, many people (especially the indigenous population) continue to call the city "Xelajú" or more commonly "Xela" for short, and some proudly, but unofficially, consider it the "capital of the Mayas".

Quetzaltenango central park c. 1894

From 1838 to 1840 Quetzaltenango was the capital of the state of Los Altos, one of the states or provinces of the Federal Republic of Central America. As the union broke up, the army of Rafael Carrera conquered Quetzaltenango making it part of Guatemala. In 1850, the city had a population of approximately 20,000.

During the 19th century, coffee was introduced as a major crop in the area. As a result, the economy of Xela prospered. Much fine Belle Époque architecture can still be found in the city.

On October 24, 1902, at 5:00 pm, the Santa María Volcano erupted. Rocks and ash fell on Quetzaltenango at 6 PM, only one hour after the eruption.

In the 1920s, a young Romani woman named Vanushka Cardena Barajas died and was buried in the Xela city cemetery. An active legend has developed around her tomb that says those who bring flowers or write a request on her tomb will be reunited with their former romantic partners. The Guatemalan songwriter Alvaro Aguilar wrote a song based on this legend.

In 1930 the only electric railway in Guatemala, the Ferrocarril de Los Altos, was inaugurated. It was built by AEG and Krupp and had 14 train cars. The track connected Quetzaltenango with San Felipe, Retalhuleu. It was soon destroyed by mudslides and finally demolished in 1933. The people of Quetzaltenango are still very proud of the railway. A railway museum has been established in the city center.

Since the late 1990s Quetzaltenango has been having an economic boom, which makes it the city with the second-highest contribution to the Guatemalan economy. With its first high-rise buildings being built, it is expected by 2015 to have a more prominent skyline, with buildings up to 15 floors tall.

In 2008, the Central American Congress PARLACEN announced that every September 15, Quetzaltenango will be Central America's capital of culture.

Quetzaltenango was supposed to host 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games but dropped out due to a lack of funding for the event.

In March 2022, indigenous activists began blockading the central waste deposit near Valle de Palajunoj to protest a city development plan enacted by the municipal authorities in June 2017.

Further information: Quetzaltenango Municipal Theatre

Climate

Farming highlands

According to Köppen climate classification, Quetzaltenango features a subtropical highland climate (Cwb). In general, the climate in Quetzaltenango can go from mild to chilly, with occasional sporadic warm episodes. The daily high is usually reached around noon. From then on, temperatures decrease exceptionally fast. The city is quite dry, except during the rainy season. Quetzaltenango is the coolest major city in Guatemala.

There are two main seasons in Quetzaltenango (as in all of Guatemala); the rainy season, which generally runs from late May through late October, and the dry season, which runs from early November until April. During the rainy season, rain falls consistently, usually in the afternoons, but there are occasions in which it rains all day long or at least during the morning. During the dry season, the city frequently will not receive a single drop of rain for months on end.

The coldest months are November through February, with minimum temperatures averaging 4 °C or 39.2 °F, and maximum temperatures averaging 22 °C or 71.6 °F. The warmest months are March through July, with minimum temperatures averaging 8 °C or 46.4 °F and maximum temperatures averaging 23 °C or 73.4 °F. Yearly, the average low is 6.4 °C or 43.5 °F and the average high is 22.5 °C or 72.5 °F.

Climate data for Quetzaltenango - Labor Ovalle Weather Station (Temp.: 1991−2010 / Prec.: 1980−2010)
Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
Record high °C (°F) 28.4
(83.1) 		29.8
(85.6) 		30.0
(86.0) 		28.2
(82.8) 		30.2
(86.4) 		26.5
(79.7) 		25.2
(77.4) 		25.0
(77.0) 		26.0
(78.8) 		25.2
(77.4) 		25.6
(78.1) 		26.2
(79.2) 		30.2
(86.4)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F) 22.0
(71.6) 		23.5
(74.3) 		25.5
(77.9) 		23.8
(74.8) 		23.1
(73.6) 		21.9
(71.4) 		21.9
(71.4) 		22.1
(71.8) 		20.9
(69.6) 		21.7
(71.1) 		21.3
(70.3) 		22.1
(71.8) 		22.5
(72.5)
Daily mean °C (°F) 12.9
(55.2) 		13.7
(56.7) 		14.8
(58.6) 		15.8
(60.4) 		15.8
(60.4) 		15.6
(60.1) 		15.8
(60.4) 		15.8
(60.4) 		15.2
(59.4) 		15.0
(59.0) 		14.0
(57.2) 		13.2
(55.8) 		14.7
(58.5)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F) 2.3
(36.1) 		2.9
(37.2) 		3.9
(39.0) 		6.3
(43.3) 		8.8
(47.8) 		9.3
(48.7) 		8.2
(46.8) 		8.5
(47.3) 		9.0
(48.2) 		8.4
(47.1) 		6.0
(42.8) 		2.8
(37.0) 		6.4
(43.4)
Record low °C (°F) −11.5
(11.3) 		−5.4
(22.3) 		−5.2
(22.6) 		−3.6
(25.5) 		0.6
(33.1) 		1.0
(33.8) 		2.5
(36.5) 		0.5
(32.9) 		1.0
(33.8) 		0.0
(32.0) 		−5.5
(22.1) 		−5.4
(22.3) 		−11.5
(11.3)
Average rainfall mm (inches) 1.8
(0.07) 		5.5
(0.22) 		14.4
(0.57) 		41.2
(1.62) 		131.6
(5.18) 		147.8
(5.82) 		98.7
(3.89) 		107.0
(4.21) 		134.7
(5.30) 		93.6
(3.69) 		18.7
(0.74) 		7.1
(0.28) 		802.1
(31.59)
Average rainy days (≥ 0.1 mm) 0.8 0.9 2.3 5.9 16.8 21.9 18.0 17.5 22.8 14.5 5.7 2.1 129.2
Average relative humidity (%) 65.7 63.1 64.5 68.4 74.5 79.4 74.5 76.1 81.2 79.3 72.7 68.6 72.3
Mean monthly sunshine hours 249.6 240.3 249.3 212.8 167.1 142.3 185.3 187.5 135.6 156.9 199.2 228.7 2,354.6
Source: Instituto Nacional de Sismologia, Vulcanologia, Meteorologia, e Hidrologia

Economy

Historically, the city produced wheat, maize, fruits, and vegetables. It also had a healthy livestock industry. Livestock was exported throughout the country and to El Salvador. As of 1850, wheat was the largest export, followed by cacao, sugar, wool and cotton.

Sports

Quetzaltenango is home to the Club Xelajú MC soccer team. The team competes at Estadio Mario Camposeco which has a capacity of 13,500 and is the most successful non-capital team in the Liga Nacional de Fútbol de Guatemala.

Due to the city's high altitude many athletes have prepared themselves here such as Olympic silver medalist Erick Barrondo and the 2004 Cuban volleyball team.

The swimming team has enjoyed success in national and international events.

Quetzaltenango withdrew from hosting the 2018 Central American and Caribbean Games. It planned to build a 30,000-seat stadium by 2016, as well seven new facilities for indoor sports and aquatics.

Transportation

The Cuatro Caminos intersection is outside the city.

The city has a system of micro-buses for quick and cheap movement. A micro-bus is essentially a large van stuffed with seats. Micro-buses are numbered based on the route they take (e.g., "Ruta 7"). There is no government-run mass transport system in the city. The sole public means of transport is the bus or micro-buses. Transportation to other cities is provided by bus. Bicycling is a way to get around and to travel to (and in) rural areas. Quetzaltenango Airport provides air service to the city.

Education

This section may need to be rewritten to comply with Misplaced Pages's quality standards. You can help. The talk page may contain suggestions. (April 2022)

Quetzaltenango (Xela) is the center of many schools and Universities that provide Education to locals and many thousands of students from the surrounding cities and departments (states) and international students from North America and Europe, that's the reason it's a very important city for the south-west/north-west region of the Country of Guatemala, for many decades Quetzaltenango has produced distinguished Citizens through all Educational establishments, among those we can mention:

People born in Quetzaltenango

Consular representations

  • Mobile Consulate of El Salvador
  • Consulate of Italy (Closed)
  • Consulate of Mexico
  • Honorary Consulate of Spain

Twin towns – sister cities

See also: List of twin towns and sister cities in Guatemala

Quetzaltenango is twinned with:

See also

References

  1. Citypopulation.de Population of departments and municipalities in Guatemala
  2. Citypopulation.de Population of the major cities in Guatemala
  3. "Quetzaltenango –Xela o Xelajú, Quetzaltenango | Lugares turísticos, Historia y Cómo Llegar". www.guatevalley.com. Retrieved 25 March 2023.
  4. ^ Baily, John (1850). Central America; Describing Each of the States of Guatemala, Honduras, Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. London: Trelawney Saunders. pp. 84–85.
  5. "GuateLog - Historia de Quetzaltenango". Archived from the original on 26 April 2012. Retrieved 31 December 2011.
  6. notisistema.com; Ciudad guatemalteca, candidata para Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe 2018.
  7. Escobar, Gilberto (9 April 2022). "Guatemala: Ein Tag bei den Blockaden im Valle de Palajunoj". amerika21 (in German). Translated by Austen, Thorben. Mondial21 e. V. Retrieved 3 November 2022.
  8. "Ministerio de comunicaciones Infraestructura y Vivienda". August 2011. Archived from the original on 21 March 2012. Retrieved 4 August 2011.
  9. "La historia de un grande del fútbol nacional". mixelajumc.com. Archived from the original on 14 May 2007.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  10. noticias.emisorasunidas.com Archived 2012-03-23 at the Wayback Machine; Xela presenta candidatura para realizar Juegos Centroamericanos y del Caribe 2018. Radio Emisoras Unidas - en línea desde Guatemala.
  11. "Jesús Castillo". HMdb.org – The Historical Marker Database.
  12. "Quetzalteco cruza el Canal de la Mancha en 1965". 20 September 2015.
  13. "Julio Serrano". www.literaturaguatemalteca.org. Retrieved 5 January 2020.
  14. "Por primera vez Consulado Móvil a la Ciudad de Quetzaltenango, llevará el Consulado General de Guatemala". Comunidad en Accion. Archived from the original on 8 November 2007. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  15. "Consulados de Italia en Guatemala".
  16. "Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores | Gobierno | gob.mx".
  17. "Orden AEC/2996/2007, de 1 de octubre, por la que se crea una Oficina Consular Honoraria de España en Quetzaltenango (Guatemala)". Lexur Editorial. Archived from the original on 17 June 2008. Retrieved 12 January 2022.
  18. "Acuerdos interinstitucionales registrados por dependencias y municipios de Campeche". sre.gob.mx (in Spanish). Secretaría de relaciones exteriores. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  19. ^ "Acuerdos interinstitucionales registrados por dependencias y municipios de Chiapas". sre.gob.mx (in Spanish). Secretaría de relaciones exteriores. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  20. "Sister Cities". cityoflivermore.net. City of Livermore. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  21. "Capitulaciones de Santa Fe" (PDF). santafe.es (in Spanish). Granada Hoy. April 2012. p. 7. Retrieved 21 January 2021.
  22. "Acuerdos interinstitucionales registrados por dependencias y municipios de Oaxaca". sre.gob.mx (in Spanish). Secretaría de relaciones exteriores. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  23. "Reactivación económica: primer encuentro virtual Xela – Tapachula". lavozdexela.com (in Spanish). La Voz de Xela. 16 July 2020. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  24. "Fakta om Tromsø: Tromsøs vennskapsbyer". tromso.kommune.no (in Norwegian). Tromsø Kommune. Retrieved 27 May 2022.
  25. "Municipalidad se pronuncia sobre viaje de concejal a Turín". lavozdexela.com (in Spanish). La Voz de Xela. 14 June 2018. Retrieved 22 January 2021.
  26. "Acuerdos interinstitucionales registrados por dependencias y municipios de Veracruz". sre.gob.mx (in Spanish). Secretaría de relaciones exteriores. Retrieved 26 January 2021.

External links

14°50′N 91°31′W / 14.833°N 91.517°W / 14.833; -91.517

Flag of Guatemala Quetzaltenango Department
Capital: Quetzaltenango
Municipalities
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