recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Las Guáranas

**Las Guáranas**, is a town of the Dominican Republic's Duarte Province. It is located in the southwestern part of the province, between the cities of Cotuí and San Francisco de Macorís.

## Las Guáranas

### Region

Cibao NE
Duarte Province

### Distance to:

SF de Macorís: 12 km (*7 mi.*)Santo Domingo: 120 km (*75 mi.*)

## About

### History

This area began to be inhabited in the 19th century. It owes its name to some plants from Guáranas that were found on a hill near the town's high school.

## Geography

Las Guáranas is located at 19° 12' 0" North, 70° 13' 0" West. According to the ONE, this town has a total land area of 86.49 square kilometers (33.39 square miles). It is bordered by the city of San Francisco de Macorís on the northwest, the town of Pimentel on the east, and the Sánchez Ramírez Province towns of La Mata on the south and Fantino on the southwest.

Although has no municipal districts, it is divided into the following sectors: Iglesia, Pueblo Nuevo, Las Mercedes, Los Genaos, Las Calles, Factoría, Los Rivera, and Ernesto Reyes, among others.

## Economy

The economy of Las Guáranas is based on agriculture, in general the cultivation of rice. Thanks to the waters of the Guiza and Camú rivers, this is one of the main rice growing areas of the Dominican Republic. You will also find plantations of bananas, yucca, beans, sweet potatoes, squash and corn.

## Heritage

The patron saint festivities of this municipality are celebrated from **July 7** to **16** in honor of Nuestra Señora del Carmén.
Las Charcas

**Las Charcas** (*English: "The ponds"*) is a town in the La Vega Province of the Dominican Republic. The population was 12,345 at the 2012 census.

## Las Charcas

### Region

Valdesia
Azua Province

## Geography

Las Charcas is located at 18.4508° N, 70.6172° W. According to the ONE, the town has a total land area of 251.23 square kilometers (97.00 square miles). Las Charcas is situated on the southeast "leg" of Azua Province, overlooking the Ocoa Bay. It is bordered by the town of Estebanía on the north, the city of San José de Ocoa, JO on the northeast, and the city of Baní on the east. It is bathed by the Ocoa Bay on the west.
DR Highway 6

**DR Highway 6** is an east–west Dominican Republic Highway that runs for 19 km (*12 miles*) in the capital region of the Dominican Republic. The western terminus is at DR Highway 2 near **Canastica** in San Cristóbal. The eastern terminus is at **Prologacion 27 de Febrero** (the southwest beltway) in Santo Domingo Oeste, where it continues onto DR Highway 3.

### Region

Valdesia
Ozama

San Cristóbal Province to
Santo Domingo

### Area

Length: 19.3 km (11.9 mi)

**DR Road System**
<--Route 5 / Route 7-->
24 de Abril

**24 de Abril** (*English: "24th of April"*) is a neighborhood in the city of Santo Domingo, in the National District of the Dominican Republic. This neighborhood is populated in particular by individuals from the lower middle class.

## 24 de Abril

### Region

Ozama
Distrito Nacional

## History

At the beginning of the April Revolution, a heroic deed was considered one of the most transcendental events in the history of this nation.

On April 24, 1965, united civilians and soldiers took to the streets to restore the constitutional government of President Juan Bosch, overthrown by a military coup inspired from abroad.

After violent clashes, the constitutionalists led by Colonel Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deñó (1932-1973), managed to restore the constitution and swear in a provisional constitutional government, but the victory was short-lived, the perfidious hand of the United States government intervened to crush the revolution and avoid what they considered another Cuba in the Caribbean.

The popular struggle against foreign military interference turned into a Patriotic War and the conflict continued until negotiations were held that resulted in a commitment to organize elections.
Galván

"Date brillo cadenita que tu mojo llega"
 *Shine now for your day will come.*
-Dominican saying

**Galván** is a town in the southwest Dominican Republic, approximately 192 kilometers (*119 miles*) from Santo Domingo. It is part of the Barohuco Province.

## Galván

### Region

 Bahoruco Province
Enriquillo

### Distance to:

Neiba: 9 km (*6 mi.*)
Santo Domingo:
193 km (*120 mi.*)

## History

Around 1776, the first settlers in this area were agricultural families from Las Matas de Farfán and El Cercado. From those places came the Ramírez, Luciano and Sánchez families, who sought land for the planting of scallions. Due to the production of this agricultural item, a sector of the community was called for a long time "Cebollín".

Previously it received the name of Cambronal due to the abundance of cambrón trees. In 1943, its name changed to Galván in honor of the Dominican novelist and historian Manuel de Jesús Galván. It was elevated to a municipality on **May 12, 1997**.

Galván was the scene of numerous battles of the Dominican independence fighters against the Haitian occupation troops, the most important being the Battle of the Rodeo , since it was staged in the place known as El Rodeo. That battle is also known as the First Baptism of Blood, according to information collected by Angel Luciano, a young man from Galván.

In the Battle of the Rodeo, General Fernando Taveras , a native of El Tamarindo, and who was the commander of the Dominican troops stood out. He was accompanied by Dionisio Reyes and a fighter known as Nicolás, who belonged to the troops of General Vicente Noble.

Another outstanding fighter was Pablo Ramírez, an authentic Galvanense, nicknamed Pablo Mamá.

## Geography

According to the ONE, the town has a total area of 214.66 km2 square kilometers (82.88 Square miles). Galván is bordered by the San Juan town of Vallejuelo to the north, the cities of Neiba and Tamayo to the east, the Independencia towns of Cristóbal and Mella to the south, and the city of Neiba to the west. Galván is approximately 192 km (*119 miles* west of Santo Domingo, and 72 km (*45 miles*) east of the Internatinal Border Line at Jimaní.

## Economy

Its main economic activities are the cultivation, mainly bananas and grapes, and the production of wines. This community also benefits from its income from remittances.

## Heritage

The festivities of Galván are celebrated every year on May 13 in honor of Our Lady of Fatima.

## References

Conectate. Galván  - [1]

Go DR. Cabral [2]
Geschenkvorlieben

Dieser Artikel beinhaltet einige falsche Übersetzungen. Entdeckst du welche, so teile sie doch bitte in den Kommentaren mit.Jeder Charakter hat eine **spezielle Geschenkvorliebe**, die man anhand seiner Reaktionen, gemessen in Beziehungspunkten, auf das Schenken eines bestimmten Gegenstands erkennen kann. Wenn ein Geschenk keine neutrale Reaktion auslöst, wird das Geschenk in den Einstellungen des Charakters registriert. Auf diese Weise kann der Spieler leicht nachverfolgen, welches Geschenk ihm gefällt oder nicht gefällt.

## Tipps

* Die meisten Geschenke, die eine neutrale Reaktion auslösen, geben einen +1 Beziehungspunkt (Ausnahmen: Ginger und Pinky).
* Bestimmte Geschenke werden geliebt, gemocht, nicht gemocht oder gehasst; jeder Charakter hat hierbei sowohl universelle als auch einzigartige Geschenkvorlieben.
* Geliebte Geschenke bescheren die meisten Punkte, während verhasste Geschenk die meisten Punkte abziehen.
* Das Lernen von bestimmten Fähigkeiten kann die Chance, Bonuspunkte beim Schenken zu verdienen, erhöhen.
Sánchez

**Sánchez** is a town in the Samaná Province of the Dominican Republic. It is located on the south coast of the Samaná peninsula. At a distance of 36 km from Nagua and 34 km from Samaná (city), it is located at the foot of the mountain range of that name.

### Region

Cibao NE
Samaná Province

### Distance to:

Nagua: 36 km (*22 mi.*)Santo Domingo: 146 km (*91 mi.*)

## Geography

Sánchez is located at 19.2293° N, 69.6125° W. According to the ONE, the municipality has a total land area of 328.53 square kilometers (126.85 square miles). It is bordered on the northeast by the town of Las Terrenas, on the east by the city of Samaná, on the southeast by the Hato Mayor Province town of Sabana del Mar, on the southwest by the Monte Plata Province town of Sabana Grande de Boyá, on the west by the Duarte Province towns of Villa Riva and Arenoso and on the northwest by the María Trinidad Sánchez Province city of Nagua. Sánchez has one municipal district, **Sánchez,** and presents an extremely irregular and muddy terrain.

## Economy

### Transport

Since the completion of the new highway between Santo Domingo and Samaná, people from SD have started arriving more frequently. The journey takes 2 hours from the center of the municipality to the center of Santo Domingo. In addition, the new El Catey airport is open to international flights, mainly for connections with Europe and Canada.

In March 2012 the new part of the highway between El Catey and Las Terrenas was also completed. In fact, all roads are paved.

### Others

The secondary activities of the municipality are fishing and commerce focused on tourism.

The municipality developed a new aqueduct that is ready and working as of 2013. In addition, in 2012 it saw a new fiber optic Internet / TV / telephone system installed that has progressively improved communications and network connection.
El Cercado

**El Cercado**, (locally called **San Pedro de El Cercado**), is a town in the San Juan Province of the western Dominican Republic.

## El Cercado

### Region

 San Juan Province
Del Valle

### Distance to:

San Juan: 51 km (*32 mi.*)
Santo Domingo:
239 km (*149 mi.*)

## Etymolygy

Its name is because the municipality is "fenced" (surrounded) by mountains.

## History

The community of El Cercado was founded in **1845** by President Pedro Santana. Previously it belonged to the municipality of Bánica and was called **Sabana del Bohío**. In **1888** it was elevated to the municipality by President Fernando Arturo de Meriño.

The Father of the Homeland Francisco del Rosario Sánchez was captured in the place of Juan Santiago located near El Cercado, in **June 1860**. In the place of the capture, a square was built with the statue of the homeland hero.

## Geography

According to the ONE, the municipality has a total land area of 283.05 square kilometers (109.29 square miles). It is bordered by Las Matas de Farfán and San Juan de la Maguana, on the north, Vallejuelo on the east, Neiba, Villa Jaragua, and Los Rios on the south, Postrer Río (IN) on the southwest, and Juan Santiago on the west.

## Economy

The economic activities of the municipality are based on large-scale agriculture and commerce. The main crops are beans, lobsters, onions, avocado, sour and sweet orange, corn, rice, sweet potatoes, auyama and coffee; Other minor fruits and vegetables are also produced there.

The economically active population (PEA) consists of 7,845 people, of which 5,803 (74%) are currently employed. Of those employees, 548 (9%) work as public servants.

## Heritage

The festivities are **June 29** in honor of St. Peter, the patron saint.

## References

El Cercado [1]

Michael Vedrine est la mejor
San José de Ocoa

**San José de Ocoa**, or simply **Ocoa**, is the capital and largest municipality of the Dominican Republic's Ocoa Province. It is located The population was 39,451 at the 2010 census.

## San José de Ocoa

### Region

Valdesia
Ocoa Province

## History

The town was founded in 1805 by people from Baní. In December 1858, San José de Ocoa was elevated to the category of municipality, belonging to the old province of Santo Domingo; in 1895, it was transferred to the Province of Azua. When Peravia Province was created in 1944, San José de Ocoa became a municipality of this province. Finally, on December 6, 2000, through Law 66-00, San José de Ocoa de Peravia separated to form the current province.

## Geography

San José de Ocoa is located at 18.5439° N, 70.5042° W. According to the ONE, the municipality has a total land area of 484.87 square kilometers (187.21 square miles). It is located about 100 kilometers (*60 miles*) west of Santo Domingo. It is bordered by the town of Sabana Larga on the north, the town of Rancho Arriba on the northeast, the San Cristóbal Province town of Los Cacaos on the east, the Peravia Province city of Baní on the southeast, the Azua Province towns of Las Charcas on the southwest, Estebanía on the west, and Guayabal and the La Vega Province town of Constanza on the northwest. It is divided into three municipal districts: **El Naranjal**, **El Pinar**, and **La Ciénaga**.

The province is in a small intramontane valley in the southern branch of the Central Cordillera at an altitude of 475 meters (*1,558 feet*).

### Demography

According to the 2010 Population and Housing Census, the municipality has a total population of 39,451 inhabitants, of which 20,838 were men and 18,613 women. The urban population of the municipality was 69.32%. Excluding the municipal districts, the total population for San José de Ocoa in 2010 was 25,710

## Economy

The main economic activity of the municipality is agriculture although tertiary services have been increasing, especially after the creation of the province. Here coffee, beans, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, peanuts, avocado and some tropical fruits are grown.

### Tourism

Among the ecotourism offers are the Nizao River spa and hiking excursions where visitors can enjoy beautiful mountain landscapes.

## Heritage

Its patron saint festivities are celebrated every **January 21** in honor of the Virgen de la Altagracia.
Santa Bárbara de Samaná

**Samaná,** officially known as **Santa Bárbara de Samaná,** is a city in the Dominican Republic, and capital of the Samaná Province.

## Samaná*Santa Bárbara de Samaná*

### Region

Samaná Province
Cibao NE

## About

This city has a wide variety of entertainment offers to discover authentic Dominican culture. One of its main attractions is **La Churcha,** which is a symbol of the Dominican freedom; this church was constructed in the 19th century by freed slaves. You can not forget **Avenida de La Marina,** where is found thousands of colorful wooden houses dating from the colonial period.

The city of Santa Bárbara de Sanamá has a privileged position. It is located in Samaná Bay, which is full of natural treasures like its beaches or the famous Marine Mammals Sanctuary.

This lively city is known for its peoples' friendliness and its delicious cuisine, like “sancochos” and “tostones”, which you can taste in its restaurants.

## Etymolygy

Its name Samaná comes from the Taíno, written as *Xamaná* by the first Chroniclers of the Indies. Even today the meaning of this word is not entirely clear but, according to Alberti, it is the word of Phoenician origin that means *"Place where the Carthaginian chief Zammna arrived"*. The natives pronounced that name as *Shamana*.

## History

By order of the Spanish governor Francisco Rubio y Peñaranda, the city of Santa Bárbara de Samaná was definitively founded in 1756, its first settlers being Spanish families, specifically from the Canary Islands. It was elevated to the category of municipality in 1845 when the Samaná Maritime District was created.

## Geography

4 Municipal districts; Samaná, El Limón, Arroyo Barril, and Las Galeras.

## Economy

The main economic activities of the municipality are tourism, agriculture and fishing.

## References

Samana [1]

Samana [2]
Salcedo

**Salcedo** is a city and the seat of government of the Dominican Republic's Hermanas Mirabal Province. It is the birthplace of the Dominican heroines, the Mirabal sisters, who died in the struggle against the dictator Rafael Trujillo.

It is located in the northeastern part of the province in the Valle del Cibao south of the Cordillera Septentrional.

The city is named after Francisco Antonio Salcedo who fought in the northwestern part of the country against the Haitian army during the War of Independence from Haiti in 1844.

## Salcedo

### Region

Cibao NE
Hermanas Mirabal Province

## History

Founded as *Juana Nuñez*, with the creation of the Espaillat Province in 1885, it became part of this new province. The town changed to its current name in 1891 in honor of Juan Antonio Salcedo who fought against the Haitian army during the War of Independence.

It became a municipality in 1905 (some sources say 1907), and after the creation of the Salcedo province in 1952, the city became the head municipality of the new province.

Salcedo is known for being the birthplace of the sisters Patria, Minerva and María Teresa Mirabal, three women considered heroines for their fight against the tyranny of Rafael Leonidas Trujillo. Because of their courage, the name of the province was changed to Hermanas Mirabal in 2007.

## Geography

Salcedo is located at 19.3787° N, 70.4168° W. According to the ONE, the municipality has a total land area of 190.60 square kilometers (73.60 square miles). It is bordered on the north by the Espaillat Province town of Gaspar Hernández, on the east by the town of Tenares, on the south by the town of Villa Tapia, on the southwest by the city and province of La Vega and town of Cayetano Germosén, and on the west by the city of Moca. Salcedo has a municipal district, **Jamao Afuera**.

## Economy

Thanks to its fertile lands, Salcedo's economy relies heavily on agriculture, whose main products are bananas, yucca, cassava, coffee, and cocoa.

Among the economic activities of the municipality are small industries, companies from different sectors.

## Heritage

The festivities of Salcedo are celebrated every year from **December 18** to **27** in honor of San Juan Evangelista.

## Tourism

Salcedo has some interesting attractions such as the Route of the Murals and the Hermanas Mirabal House Museum. For lovers of ecotourism, there are beautiful spas on the Jamao River.

The museum in the Conuco section, in commemoration of the three sisters who were assassinated in the fight for freedom, was created by *Bélgica* (Dedé) *Mirabal* (surviving sister) who was in charge of preserving the memory of the so-called “Butterflies” through the Hermanas Mirabal Foundation, founded in 1994, in the house where the sisters spent their last months of life.

## References

Salcedo [1]

Salcedo [2]
Mrs. Loud

Old-fashioned music

Pasta

Sonata Dusk

Sweet Mayhem

Ellie Audette (rarely)

Helga Pataki

Starfire (to a degree)

Walt

Geo

Watterson (formerly)

Rainbow Lake Police

Mrs. Rita Loud is a paranoid woman who is Ellie's teacher at her school, an educational facility where students drive cars. She wears a pink buttoned shirt with a white collar and cuffs, and purple pants. Her school is made from a tall building. Ellie is Mrs. Loud's most dedicated student and knows the answer to every question on her written and oral exams, but always panics and crashes when she actually boards a vessel. Her clothing puffs up when she is scared or injured.
Colonel Vicente Noble

**Vicente Noble** was a prominent Dominican military man of the nineteenth century born in Azua **November 3, 1791** and known for his participation in the Dominican War of Independence in **1844**.

Although the data of his life are imprecise, it is known that he fought alongside the military Fernando Tavera from Neiba against the Haitian occupation in the Batalla Fuente del Rodeo. Noble had to replace Tavera when he fell wounded as a result of a shootout against the Haitians.

He also had an important participation in the Battle of Azua on March 19, 1844.

## Personal

According to an eighteenth-century parish record, Noble was baptized 18 days after his birth (November 21, 1791) son of Josef Nobles and Maria Cruz.

He married María del Rosario Félix, with whom he had two children, María del Carmen and Simón Noble.

At his death he held the rank of lieutenant colonel.

## Legacy

•On **November 13, 1934**, a street was renamed in the Villa Francisca sector of the National District with its name (previously it was called Barcelona Street).

• In **1943**, the Dominican dictator Rafael Leónidas Trujillo baptized a municipality of the Dominican Republic with his name.
Jamao al Norte

**Jamao al Norte**, is a town in the Espaillat Province of the Dominican Republic.

## Jamao al Norte

### Region

 Espaillat Province
Cibao N

### Distance to:

Moca: 36 km (*22 mi.*)
Santo Domingo:
180 km (*112 mi.*)

## Etymology

Its name comes from its location, since its town is on the north bank of the Jamao River.

## History

The origin of this municipality dates back to the end of the **17th century** (*1600s).*

Jamao al Norte was declared a municipal district on **May 15, 1981**, and then was elevated to the category of municipality on **May 25, 2001**.

## Geography

Jamao al Norte is located at 19.63454° N, -70.44708° E. According to the ONE, the town has a total land area of 115.48 square kilometers (44.59 square miles). It is bordered on the east by the city of Salcedo (Hermanas Mirabal Province), on the south by the city of La Vega (La Vega Province), and on the west by the city of Moca.

## Economy

The municipality benefits from agricultural exploitation (banana, coffee, cassava and avocado), chicken farming for the meat and eggs trade, remittances and mountain tourism.

## Culture

The patron feasts of Jamao al Norte are celebrated every year on **August 7** in honor of the Assumption of Mary and include a variety of sports and artistic activities.

The Jamao al Norte Carnival takes place in the month of March. For this event, residents manufacture costumes of disposable materials including plastic sleeves and soda caps.

## Ecotourism

For ecotourism lovers, Jamao al Norte is a municipality of some natural beauty. Among its most popular natural attractions are the El Chorro and La Jamaa River Dams that are visited by thousands of national and international tourists. Along the Jamao River, you will find ecological cabins and tourist trails.

## References

Jamao al Norte [1]

Michael Vedrine est la mejor
Parks in DR

## Anacaona Square

Patrons can see the murals and sculptures of Anacaona Square and soak up Taíno culture in San Juan de la Maguana

Built in **1992**, Anacaona Square is visited by both locals and visitors. This beautiful square is dedicated to Queen Anacaona, and shows different murals in which Taíno life is represented. The artists who made this interesting artistic space were Natalia Saxton de Pérez and Luigi Jiménez.

In the center of the square there is a curious statue of the queen sitting on her throne by the sculptor painter Nicolás Jiménez. The history surrounding the theme of the square makes it more interesting for the visitor who immerses himself in the Taíno heritage that is breathed in every corner of the country.

## José María Cabral park

José María Cabral park also known as the “Donkey Park” in San Juan de la Maguana.

Also known as the " Donkey Park ", the José María Cabral park was named in honor of the general who achieved victory in the battle of Santomé. The nickname came from the custom of the country vendors who tied their donkeys there when they were going to sell their merchandise.

## Caonabo park

At the Caonabo park, one can see the representation of the Taíno way of life in San Juan de la Maguana.

The Caonabo Park is located at the entrance of San Juan de la Maguana, paying tribute to the chieftain of Maguana who fought against the colonizers for the indigenous cause. In this park the cacicazgos in which the island was divided as well as the Taíno way of life are represented.

You can also find a replica of the Ceremonial Square of the Corral de los Indios, as it is known today. This charming square is quite interesting for its beauty and is a great place to rest before the next visit.

## Francisco del Rosario Sánchez park

At the Francisco del Rosario Sánchez park, travelers take a break before continuing to visit San Juan de la Maguana.

The charming Francisco del Rosario Sánchez Park, located in the town of San Juan de la Maguana, is dedicated to one of the Founding Fathers of the Dominican Republic. Lawyer, politician and activist, this leader of the Dominican war against the Haitian occupation fought and achieved independence from the country, although he was arrested and executed in El Cercado. He was executed on **July 4, 1861** in the municipal cemetery of San Juan de la Maguana.
El Valle

**El Valle** (*English: "The Valley"*) is an inland town in Hato Mayor Province, Dominican Republic 80 km (*50 miles*) as the crow flies northeast of Santo Domingo and 31 km (*19 miles*) northwest of Hato Mayor del Rey. It is also known today by its nickname, "The Old Valley." The population was 8,855 at the 2012 census.

The western tip of the town lies within the Los Hatises National Park.

## El Valle

### Region

Higüamo
Hato Mayor Province

### Distance to:

HM del Rey: 31 km (*19 mi.*)Santo Domingo: *via road* 144 km (*89 mi.*)

## History

El Valle was incorporated as a town in 1982. It was previously a part of the town of Sabana de la Mar and was then called *Villa Trujillo*. The first settlers arrived around 1800. At that time, it was located about 3 kilometers (*2 miles*) from where it is today. A small population formed in 1927 and divided themselves by streets: San Antonio, Las Guamas, Jaragua and Los Ajíes. On **December 23, 1960** it was elevated to the category of Municipal District. On **November 25, 1961,** it changed the name to El Valle.

## Geography

El Valle is located at 18.9772° N, 69.3786° W. According to the [[1]], this town has a total land area of 161.12 square kilometers (62.21 square miles). It is bordered by the town of Sabana de la Mar on the north, the El Seibo Province town of Pedro Sánchez on the east, the city of Hato Mayor del Rey on the south, and the Monte Plata Province town of Bayaguana on the west.

## Economy

The main sources of income for the town of El Valle are agricultre and livestock. Its main economic activities are the raising of cattle for the production of meat and milk, the cultivation of organic cocoa, citrus fruits, and the industrial planting of African Palm for the extraction of edible oil. It also has amber mines where red amber is extracted.

Amber extraction is done in various community mines, such as Loma Clara, Yanigua, El Cabao Mine, 20 kilometer Mine, El Portón Mine, and Siete Cañadas Mine, among others.

### Tourism

Tourism also plays a small role in its economy due to the number of rivers it contains and the number of people from other countries who visit this municipality of Hato Mayor.

Due to the region's climate, it has also benefited from the cultivation of flowers.

Given its hydrography, El Valle has generated some popularity among ecotourism fans. One of its most popular tourist attractions is Salto Yanigua, which is located to the west of the town.

## Heritage

Its two patron saint festivities are celebrated on March 19 in honor of San José and in May in honor of the Holy Cross.

## References

El Valle [2]

El Valle [3]
Las Yayas de Viajama

**Las Yayas de Viajama** is an agricultural town in the western part of the Dominican Republic's Azua Province, approximately 35 kilometers (*22 miles*) northwest of its capital, Azua de Compostela. The population was 7,142 at the 2012 census.

## Las Yayas de Viajama

### Region

Azua Province
Valdesia

### Density

15 people per km²
(39 per sq mi)

## Etymolygy

The name "Yayas" comes from the trees that once abounded in this region but have declined due to the extensive clearing of their forests, while "Viajama" was the name of a Taíno native whose land included part of the territory where the town of Las Yayas is .

## History

The town was founded at the beginning of the 18th century by the Spaniard Blas Ramírez. Taking advantage of the fertile lands and hydrography, the first inhabitants established large plantations, but their rapid agricultural development had disastrous results for the natural environment.

It was declared a municipal district on **April 24, 1984**, and then was granted municipal status in **2002**.

## Geography

Las Yayas de Viajama is located at 18.6096° N, 70.9250° W. According to the ONE, the municipality has an area of 472.54 square kilometers (182.45 square miles). Much of its land area lies within the uninhabited national parks, namely the Villarpando and Barrero Reservations to its north and south, and the Anacaona National Park to its southwest. Las Yayas de Viajama has two municipal districts: **Villarpando** and **Hato Nuevo**. It is bordered by the town of Padre Las Casas on the north, the town of Peralta on the northeast, the town of Tábara Arriba on the southeast, the town of Vicente Noble on the southwest, the city of Tamayo on the west, and the city of San Juan de la Maguana on the northwest. The town lies in the western portion of Azua Province, sharing borders with the San Juan and Barohuco provinces.

## Economy

Las Yayas de Viajama is an agricultural municipality whose main crops are banana, corn, tobacco and various types of vegetables.

### Tourism

The tourist attractions of this municipality are the spas of the Yaque del Sur and Las Yayas rivers.

### Heritage

The festivities of Las Yayas de Viajama are celebrated every year from **January 13** to **21** in honor of Our Lady of Altagracia.

## References

Las Yayas de Viajama [1]

Michael Vedrine est la mejor
Espaillat Province

**Espaillat** is a province of in the northwestern Dominican Republic.

## About

Espaillat Province was created by the decree of **May 28, 1885** in the Dominican Republic (Cacas oncial, 6 junta 1885), named after the Dominican patriot Ulisses Francisco Espaillat who declined, in **1849**, the honor of governing his country.

## Geography

The seat of government is Moca. This province has been subdivided from portions of La Vega Province.

### Municipalities

1. Cayetano Germosén 36,930

2. Gaspar Hernández 57,302

3. Jamao al Norte 42,953

4. Moca

5. San Víctor

### Neighboring Regions

Atlantic Ocean

Michael Vedrine est la mejor
DR Route 20

DR-20 at Palo Verde

Monte Cristi Province to
Valverde Province

**DR Road System**
<--Route 18 / Route 21-->

**DR Route 20** is an east–west Dominican Republic state road that runs for 74 km (*44 miles*) from **Laguna Verde** in Monte Cristi and runs southeastward into Santa Cruz de Mao where it ends at Route 18 in **Sector Arias**. It spends the vast majority of its journey paralleling the Autopista Juan Pablo Duarte (Duarte Expressway), which has largely superseded DR-20 for through travel. Still, DR-20 directly serves many towns and local business areas which the expressway bypasses.
DR Route 46

DR Route 46 at Nueva York Chiquito, Cabral

Independencia Province to
Barahona Province

**DR Road System**
<--Route 45 / Route 47-->

**DR Route 46** is an east–west Dominican Republic Highway that runs for 91 km (*57 miles*) through two provinces in the southwestern region of the Dominican Republic. The western terminus is at DR Route 48 at Jimaní. The eastern terminus is at DR Route 44 in Fundación, Barahona Province.
DR Route 45

**Route 45** (DR-45) is the main highway on the western portion of the Dominican Republic, running largely parallel to the Haitian border from the El Valle Region to the Atlantic Ocean. It travels through the provinces of San Juan, Elías Piña, Dajabón, and Monte Cristi, serving several population centers along the DR-Haiti frontier, including Dajabón, Monte Cristi, and Pedro Santana.

### Region

El Valle
Cibao NW

San Juan Province to
Monte Cristi Province

### Area

Length: 137.28 km2 (85.3 mi)

**DR Road System**
<--Route 44 / Route 46-->
DR Route 11

DR Route 11 is a north-south state road in the Dominican Republic that runs for 68 kilometers (*42 miles*) from **Los Mina** in Santo Domingo Este to **Elmurst** in Cevicos.

### Region

Ozama
Higüamo
Cibao S

Santo Domingo Province to
Sánchez Ramírez Province

### Area

Length: 68.2 km (42.4 mi)

**DR Road System**
<--Route 10 / Route 12-->
Caracoles Beach

**Playa de Caracoles** is a beach in the Dominican Republic town of Estebanía.

## About

Located in the Bay of Ocoa, in the Azua Province, Playa Caracoles is a true paradise of great tourist attraction. In its waters, the fishermen of the area cast their nets, obtaining fish that allow them to survive and have fresh fish available to enjoy in the area.

This beach figures in national history for being the landing place of the leader of the April Revolution, Francisco Alberto Caamaño Deño.

## Tourism

The sand on this beach is gray, the water is turquoise and with a certain depth, it is highly visited by diving fans who find beautiful seascapes to enjoy.

In this area are located some popular summer houses and businesses where people can enjoy fried fish and other similar offers.
Vallejuelo

**Vallejuelo** is a town in the San Juan Province of the western Dominican Republic. It is located southwest of the provincial capital San Juan de la Maguana.

## Vallejuelo

### Region

 San Juan Province
Del Valle

### Distance to:

San Juan: 33 km (*21 mi.*)
Santo Domingo:
209 km (*130 mi.*)

## About

It is a relatively young municipality. The first settlers arrived in this region from the Cibao in the **1880**s to develop cattle herds. Although there is no exact information about the origin of its name, it is claimed that it comes from one of these herds.

## History

The first settlers resided in Rio Arriba del Sur in **1880**; These people had arrived from the Cibao region.

Also, that the first areas to be populated were Río Arriba del Sur (by people from Cibao), Capulín (by people fromNeyba) and Jorgillo (by people from Hondo Valle).

Then, in **1912**, several families from and El Cercado settled in Vallejuelo and adjacent areas.

Commercial activities began in **1936** when a native of San Juan de la Maguana installed the first sawmill.

In **1936**, the commercial activities of the villagers still used the barter method with the residents of Neyba, with whom they exchanged agricultural products for salt.

A natural heritage of the municipality is the Sierrita Park, where the Bao and La Laguna de Sabana rivers begin in Jorgillo.

The town was declared a municipal district in **1970**, and became a municipality through Law 916 of **August 12, 1978**.

## Geography

Vallejuelo is located 34 km (*21 miles*) southwest of the center of San Juan de la Maguana and 206 km (*128 miles*) from the capital city, nestled between mountains, in a valley of the Cordillera Central. According to the ONE, the municipality has an area of 218.82 square kilometers (84.49 square miles). It is bordered on the west by the town of El Cercado and on the north by the city of San Juan de la Maguana, the Barohuco Province communities of Tamayo, Galván, and Neyba border it on the southeast, south, and southwest.

### Demography

It has a population according to the 2010 census of 12,403 inhabitants of which 6,670 are men and 5,733 women.

## Economy

Vallejuelo's economy is based on agriculture, particularly the cultivation of corn, cassava, corn, beans and onions, and the raising of cattle for milk production.

Other agricultural items that are currently being produced in commercial quantity in this municipality are peppers, eggplants, in the zona del hato, coffee in Rio Arriba del Sur, auyamas and guandules in Jorgillo.

### Tourism

Currently, this community has several tourist attractions, among which are La Piedra de la Mesa, and the Cabeza del Río Los Baos Tourist Recreational Spa, located northwest of the town. In mountainous areas, paragliding is practiced.

## Heritage

The festivities are on **November 30** in honor of Saint Andrew the Apostle.

## References

Vallejuelo [1], [2], [3]

Michael Vedrine est la mejor
DR Route 19

DR Route 19 is a 30-kilometer (*18 mile*) east-west state road in the Dominican Republic. It runs from the Autopista Duarte (DR-1) interchange in Algarrobo, Jima Abajo northeast to an intersection with DR Route 132 in the city of San Francisco de Macorís. Route 19 is also known as **Carretera Antonio Guzmán Fernández**.

### Region

Cibao NE

La Vega Province to
Duarte Province

### Area

Length: 29.88 km (18.44 mi)

**DR Road System**
<--Route 18 / Route 20-->

## Route description

DR Route 19 in begins when Route 19 branches from DR Highway 1 via the trumpet interchange at Algarrobo, Jima Abajo. The route crosses DR Route 23 before continuing east out of the town and heads due northeast, eventually crossing into the city of La Vega. Just after crossing into town, Route 19 passes over Camú River into the community of Ranchito. After passing an airport, Route 19 continues its course, crossing into the city of San Francisco de Macorís, where it glides through the city's western districts before entering the center to its terminus at the intersection with DR Route 132.
DR Route 66

The Bayaguana-Hato Mayor Road, also known as DR Route 66

Monte Plata Province to
San Pedro de Macorís Province

**DR Road System**
<--Route 50 / Route 78-->

**DR Route 66** is a short east-west Dominican Republic state road that runs for 21 km (*13 miles*) from **El Centro** in Bayaguana to **El Puerto** in Los Llanos.

## Route description

Route 66 begins at Route 23 (Guerra-Bayaguana Road) next to the Villa Balaguer neighborhood in Downtown Bayaguana. The two-lane road heads east as Bayaguana-San Gerónimo Road, which passes a stream called Rio Comate then ascends toward Arroyo Cocinero. Route 66 continues through rural Bayaguana, which crosses through the Los Arroyos Arriba hamlet to reach the village of Copey at the Los Llanos town line. The road continues into the town where it shortly reaches its eastern terminus at Route 78 — which heads south to Los Llanos center and east toward Hato Mayor — just west of the village of San Gerónimo.
Bahía de las Calderas

One of the wonders within the Peravia province , Dominican Republic , is the Bahía de las Calderas. Located in the southeast of the country, 115 kilometers from the city of Santo Domingo .

Its beaches are visited by hundreds of foreigners and nationals throughout the year, who carry out traditional tourism; however, ecotourism excursions are also being organized for those who prefer an unusual tour.

For this type of tourism, trails have been set up, called Sendero de Santanilla.

The Bahía de las Calderas is of great scientific interest, for bird watching and the varied biodiversity that exists in the place.

More than 124 species of birds reside there, in addition to serving as a refuge for coastal marine species. There has also been a report of more than five rare species in this area.

The peninsula is mostly covered by a saline lagoon called the Salado del Muerto, used for the production of salt.

An ecotourism inn was recently built, called Punta Salinas, as an initiative of the Secretary of State for Tourism.

The Baní Dunes are associated with this Bay, and both spaces have suffered the consequences of the illegal extraction of sand from the dunes.
Las Matas de Farfán

**Las Matas de Farfán** is a city in the western  Dominican Republic, part of the San Juan Province.

## Las Matas de Farfán

### Region

 San Juan Province
Del Valle

### Distance to:

San Juan: 33 km (*21 mi.*)
Santo Domingo:
221 km (*137 mi.*)

## Etymolygy

It owes its name to the Spanish merchant Bartolomé Farfán de los Godos who happened to reside there.

## History

The municipality was founded by Brigadier José Solano and Isidro Peralta Rojas, in 1780, when José Solano was the governor of the island.

According to some versions, the first settlers in this town were of Spanish, German, Dutch and Haitian origin. During this time, the area was a bridge for commercial activity between Haiti and the rest of the island. There was a Lebanese colony that was very active in commercial activities.

The first power plant was brought in 1916 by Father Rafael Jóvine, who wished to illuminate the park and some homes. In 1919 comes the first car, owned by Antonio Bera.

The construction of the San Juan-Elias Piña highway, as well as other roads (Independencia, Damián Ortiz, Mella, etc.) began during the government of Horacio Vázquez in 1926.

The municipality was involved in two battles of the Civil War of 1912 between the followers of Juan Isidro Jiménez and Horacio Vásquez.

## Geography

The municipality is bordered by rugged terrain, mountains, hills, hills, plateaus, plains and with sparse vegetation and abundant arid land.

According to the ONE, the municipality has a total land area of 636.84 square kilometers (245.81 square miles). It is bordered by the city of San Juan de la Maguana on the east, the town of El Cercado on the south, and the Elías Piña communities of Juan Santiago, El Liano, Comendador, Bánica and Pedro Santana on the west.

## Economy

Agriculture

It is the main source of production of the municipality: the main crops are rice, corn, beans, peanuts and sorghum, which are exported to other provinces as well as to Santo Domingo . Other small-scale products are sweet potatoes, eggplant, cabbage and cassava.

Livestock

It constitutes another economic activity that the region has developed, its milk is extracted and sold to the Dominican Dairy Food Company (CODAL) in San Francisco de Macorís .

Tourism

Some of its attractions include the Catanamatias Caves, these caves are part of a cave network with currents that are believed to be intercommunicated with the caves of San Francisco in Banica and those of Seboruco in Sabaneta and are located in the section of the same name, holder of a particular beauty due to its valley, which has attracted the curiosity of many visitors.

Other

Another source of income for residents is the various formal and informal businesses such as bakeries, tailor shops , clinical laboratories, medical offices, pharmacies, a market, hotels, cookies, bars, and activities that have to do with the transportation service, among others .

## Heritage

The festivities are **June 29** in honor of St. Peter, the patron saint.

## References

El Cercado [1]

Michael Vedrine est la mejor
Paraíso

**Paraíso** (*English: "Paradise"*) is a town in the southwest Dominican Republic, approximately 200 kilometers from Santo Domingo. It is part of the Barahona Province.

## Paraíso

### Region

 Barahona Province
Enriquillo

### Distance to:

Barahona: 35 km (*22 mi.*)
Santo Domingo:
218 km (*135 mi.*)

**Major Routes:**

## Etymology

Paraíso is the Spanish and Portuguese word for Paradise.

## Geography

According to the ONE, the town has a total area of 138.63 square kilometers (53.53 Sq.mi). Paraíso is bordered by the town of Polo to the northwest, the town of La Ciénaga to the northeast, and the town of Enriquillo to the west. Paraíso is approximately 190 km (*118 miles* west of Santo Domingo, and 80 km (*50 miles*)east of the Internatinal Border Line at Jimaní.

Paraíso is mostly a green setting, lying along the Caribbean Sea. It is a small city surrounded by green mountains and rivers.

**San Rafael** and **Los Patos** are the two settlements that are in both corners of town. Both places are tourist-oriented with beaches and freshwater rivers that come from the top of the mountains. The weather is tropical with an average temperature of 29°C (*85°F**).*

Michael Vedrine
DR Route 12

DR-12 at Tireo Arriba, Constanza, DR

La Vega Province to
Monseñor Nouel Province

**DR Road System**
<--Route 11 / Route 13-->

**DR Route 12** is an east-west Dominican Republic state road running from **El Centro,** Constanza in La Vega Province to **Villa Susana,** Bonao in Monseñor Nouel Province. The route is 51 kilometers (*32 miles*) in length.
Bernal Díaz de Pisa

**Bernal Díaz de Pisa** was a crew member of the second voyage of Columbus and a settler in the New World who initiated a rebellion against the government of Christopher Columbus in Hispaniola. Bernal Díaz was a court sheriff to whom the Kings had given him the position of accountant for the entire island.

## History

The second voyage of Columbus was a journey of colonization and conquest, as well as one of exploration. The Spaniards who arrived in Hispaniola with the second trip founded a series of villas and forts along the island. However, money was scarce and provisions were not abundant either. Given this, Columbus sent a fleet under Antonio de Torres to Castilla for provisions and to pay a series of salaries that were pending to settlers.

Shortly after splitting the fleet of 12 Torres ships, in **February 1493**, Columbus was ill, like other members of the expedition, Bernal Díaz began plotting a conspiracy against the Admiral. The conspirators planned to appropriate some remaining ships and supplies and flee to Castile leaving the Admiral and his own companions to their fate. According to some chronicles the Spaniards met in a group and shouted "We want to return to Castilla! Die the Admiral!".

The expectations of all the Spaniards who had embarked towards Las Indias were much better than reality. Knights, artisans, farmers, etc. They realized that there was much to do in those lands, that wealth was not so abundant and, in addition, there was a shortage of provisions and back wages.

Columbus discovered the plot, seized the leaders and held them in one of the ships. He put the weapons in the nao captain of the expedition, so that they were better controlled and could not be used against him. Several texts of the conspirators were also found in a buoy where facts were narrated against the Government of Columbus that they wanted to show in Castilla to take him to trial.

Although the rebellion was stifled, this event, as well as the subsequent rebellion of Francisco Roldan, would tarnish the image that was in Spain of Columbus and the idyllic place found.
Licey al Medio

**Licey al Medio** is a city in the Santiago Province of the northwestern Dominican Republic.

## Licey al Medio

### Region

 Santiago Province
Cibao N

### Distance to:

Santiago: 13 km (*8 mi.*)
Santo Domingo:
151 km (*94 mi.*)

## History

Licey Al Medio was a rural section of the municipality of Santiago that was erected in the municipal district in March 1958. In 1984 it was converted into a municipality, with its head in the town of Licey al Medio. Currently this municipality is made up of the Las Palomas municipal district, 5 rural sections and more than 7 places.

Licey al Medio climbed to the Municipal District in July 1958, by decree issued by the then President of the Republic, Generalissimo Rafael Leónidas Trujillo Molina, beginning to function as such on September 21, 1959.

It was on July 13, 1984 when it rose to the category of municipality.

## Geography

The city of Licey al Medio is located at 19.42961° N, -70.59918° E. According to the ONE, the municipality has a total land area of 32.02 square kilometers (12.36 square miles). It is bordered by the city of Santiago on the northwest, the city of Tamboril on the north and east, the city of Moca, HM on the east, and the city of Puñal on the south and west.

**Municipal Districts**

## Economy

The main economic activities of the municipality of Licey al Medio are pig and poultry production, in addition to the balanced industry and metalworking. Licey maintains links of economic exchange with Tamboril, Santiago, Moca and Santo Domingo, mainly for the production of chickens and eggs. It has a free zone industrial park that concentrates 7 companies, with approximately 275 employees in total. At Licey al Medio, the service economy has also developed. It has more than 7 commercial banks, 2 private clinics, several fuel stations, gymnasium stores and supermarkets.

## Social

The social and cultural aspects of the area have been influenced by a wide religiosity. The foundation of the San Pío X Seminary and the Núñez Molina Vocational Training School resulted in the educational training of dozens of people, promoting a benign intellectual development for the community. Around the city there are clubs and associations for the welfare of society in the area.

## References

Licey al Medio [1]

Michael Vedrine est la mejor