City of Comayaguela
Comayagüela along with Tegucigalpa constitute the Central District, created on January 30, 1937, by Decree No. 53. Both cities became a shared political entity, sharing the title of capital of Honduras.
Etymology
Comayagüela is a diminutive form of Comayagua. It was settled in the mid-16th century by indigenous Lenca people from different parts of the country. It was first established about four leagues northwest of Tegucigalpa in the Jutiapa Mountains and later moved to a place called Toncontín (indigenous dance).
Comayagüela is located at the foot of El Picacho Hill, at an elevation of about 1240 meters above sea level, in a basin formed by the Grande or Choluteca River. Together with Tegucigalpa, they constitute the capital of Honduras. While Tegucigalpa is situated on the right bank of the Grande or Choluteca River, Comayagüela is located in the western sector of the city and is close to the airport. Both cities are located in the Central District municipality, the constitutional seat of the Government of the Republic of Honduras.
The city’s most important industrial sectors include commerce, construction, services, textiles, sugar, and tobacco.
History
On November 17, 1820, a municipal council was established in the Cabildo of Comayagüela. On August 22, 1849, it was named Villa de Concepción. On April 10, 1897, the title of city was granted to the Villa de Concepción.
On November 30, 1899, while Felipe Cálix was Municipal Syndic, the area known as «Ejidos del centro de Comayagüela» was contracted. It included a line that passed through the «Chiquito» River and the intersection of the so-called «Tres Caminos,» continuing to Jacaleapa and the Toncontín pool. It extended through «Llano del Potrero,» including most parts of the sectors of «El Junquillo» and «Sabana Larga,» passing through «Quiebra Montes,» «Horno de la Brea,» «El Naranjo,» «la Aserradera,» «Piedras Profundas,» «Zacaterique,» «Peña Banca,» «El Durazno,» «Piedra Parada,» and continuing to «El Chile» and the suburbs of «Tegucigalpa.»
It is true that Comayagüela does not possess a «Title» dating back to colonial times. In any case, it was founded in accordance with the order of His Majesty Philip II of Spain, which stipulated the provision of «two square leagues» to each «indigenous settlement.» However, legally, this district had more land.
Hurricane Mitch
On October 30, 1998, the city suffered significant damage from Hurricane Mitch, which destroyed a part of Comayagüela and the areas bordering the Grande or Choluteca River. The hurricane remained over Honduran territory for five days, causing the land to become saturated with rainwater. Combined with deforestation, this led to severe flooding throughout the country, especially in Tegucigalpa.
The rise of the tributaries of the Grande or Choluteca River caused it to exceed the height of the Mallol Bridge, which was swept away by the current. The rains also triggered landslides in the El Berrinche Hill area. These landslides swept away most of the Soto neighborhood, with the debris falling into the river basin, creating a dam at the level of said neighborhood. This dam trapped the waters of the Grande or Choluteca River and caused flooding in the low-lying areas of Comayagüela, destroying the old establishments located near Calle Real. In other areas, the current caused hills, mountains, and slopes to collapse, sweeping away entire neighborhoods, buildings, parks, cars, and more.
Another loss caused by Mitch was the former headquarters of the Honduran Academy of Language, which was located on 1st Avenue and 3rd Street in Comayagüela. It was shared with the Honduran Academy of Geography and History and was practically destroyed by the overflowing of the Grande River caused by the hurricane.
Due to the damage and the possibility of future flooding due to its proximity to the river, the Language Academy decided not to rebuild its headquarters on that site. Instead, with funds from the Spanish Cultural Cooperation in Honduras – AECID, the Academy remodeled a new headquarters in the former Adult Literacy School, on the street of the «Fuente del Casco Histórico de Tegucigalpa.»
Politics
Local government in the Honduran capital is exercised by a Mayor accompanied by five councilors from other political parties. During election campaigns, mayoral candidates carry out different projects throughout the city in search of votes, activities that decrease once the new authorities are established. Lately, the city has changed significantly, and the capital has a different appearance, resembling a large city due to the topography that allows its dimensions to be observed from any high point in the city.
Modernization is taking over the city, and almost all aspects of the past are being lost and replaced by modern multistory buildings. The city suffers from constant traffic congestion due to the poor layout of its streets and avenues. The area bordering the Choluteca River was destroyed by Hurricane Mitch, and no recovery works are visible after several years of flooding.
