Facts for Kids

Cartago is a beautiful city located in Costa Rica, a country in Central America! 🇨🇷 It's known for its rich history and amazing natural surroundings. Cartago is the capital of Cartago Province and lies about 25 kilometers east of San José, the country's capital city. 🏙

️ This city is special because it was once the capital of Costa Rica from 1823 until 1835. People from all over visit to see its wonderful sights and learn about its past! With friendly people and lots of fun activities, Cartago is a great place to explore! 🚶

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The city of Cartago is home to about 150,000 people! 👫

The majority of people are Costa Ricans, but you might also find friendly visitors from other countries exploring the area. Cartago has a variety of age groups, so there are children, teenagers, and adults all living together. This diversity makes it a vibrant place with many cultures and stories to share! 💬

Overall, Cartago is a lively city filled with wonderful people! 🌍

When you visit Cartago, you must try some delicious local food! 🍽

️ A popular dish is "casado," which includes rice, beans, salad, and your choice of protein like chicken or fish. Don't forget to taste "gallo pinto," a flavorful mix of rice and beans often enjoyed for breakfast. 🌶

️ Many people also love enjoying fresh fruits like mangoes, bananas, and pineapples! 🍍

Street vendors offer snacks like "empanadas" and "tacos," so there's always something tasty to munch on while exploring! 😋

Cartago was founded in 1563 by Spanish explorer Juan de Cavallón. ⚔

️ It became an important center for agriculture and trade. In the 19th century, it was the capital city of Costa Rica! Sadly, a huge earthquake in 1910 destroyed many buildings but also led to rebuilding efforts. 🌍

An important moment in history happened when Costa Rica's first Constitution was declared in Cartago in 1847. Cartago's resilience shines through its historical sites, which tell the story of the people who lived there! 📜

Cartago has a diverse economy, which means it gets money from different sources! 🌾

Agriculture plays a big role, and many farmers grow coffee, sugar, and flowers. In fact, Cartago produces some of the best coffee in the country! ☕

The city also has industries like manufacturing and textiles. This means that workers make things like clothes and other products. Businesses in Cartago create jobs for many people, helping the community grow and thrive! 💼

There are many fantastic historical landmarks in Cartago! One of the most famous is the Basilica of Our Lady of Los Ángeles, a beautiful church that attracts thousands of visitors each year. ⛪

It is where the Virgin of Los Ángeles, the country's patron saint, is kept. Another impressive site is the ruins of Santiago Apostol Church, which was built in 1580 but was damaged by earthquakes. 🕍

These landmarks not only tell the story of Cartago but also showcase its beautiful architecture! 🏛

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Cartago is home to many cultural celebrations and events! 🎨

One of the most important is the Virgin of Los Ángeles Festival. This festival, celebrated every August, honors the patron saint of Costa Rica. Thousands of people walk from San José to Cartago to pay their respects! 🕊

️ The city also has beautiful architecture, especially the ruins of the Santiago Apostol Church. Local traditions include music, dance, and colorful costumes, making Cartago a lively city full of culture! 🎶

Cartago is situated in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountains, such as the Turrialba Volcano! 🌋

The area is lush and green, perfect for plants and animals! The climate is mostly mild, with temperatures averaging 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F) throughout the year. 🌦

️ Cartago has a rainy season from May to November, which helps keep everything fresh and vibrant. The beautiful landscapes make it a great spot for nature lovers to explore! 🌲

Cartago knows how to celebrate, especially during its many festivals! 🎉

Each August, the city celebrates the Festival of the Virgin of Los Ángeles, attracting thousands of people for a grand parade, music, and dancing! 🚶

‍♀️ Another fun tradition is the "Pancake Festival," where families come together to taste many pancake flavors! 🥞

Cartago also hosts fairs and community gatherings, which are perfect for friends and families to enjoy each other's company and have fun together! 🎊

The spirit of celebration fills the air, making Cartago an exciting place to be!

Traveling in Cartago is easy! 🚌

The city has a good network of buses that help people get around and reach other parts of Costa Rica. There are also taxis for those who prefer a quicker ride. 🚖

Cartago has well-maintained roads, making it simple for families to drive to places like parks or shops. The public transportation is also a great way to explore nearby attractions! 🚲

Overall, getting around Cartago is safe and fun for everyone!