Municipality of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz is a municipality in the Department of Lempira in Honduras.
Its original name was Guaticaitique, and it was later called «Santa Cruz de Guasabosque.» In the population census of 1887, it was a hamlet of Erandique. On October 26, 1926, during the presidential administration of Dr. Miguel Paz Barahona, the decree creating the municipality was issued.
Geography
Like in most of the department, there are large and steep mountains to reach the main town. Along the way, there are several material banks from which materials are extracted for road repairs. Various rocks of different colors and compositions can also be observed.
This municipality possesses abundant forest resources, with the predominant presence of pine forests, but there is also a notable presence of liquidambar forests, which reflect the changing seasons and provide splendid landscapes. However, deforestation is noticeable in the main town, leading to a hotter climate.
Limits
Santa Cruz has the following boundaries: to the north with the municipality of La Campa; to the south with the municipalities of Erandique and San Andrés. To the east with the department of Intibucá; to the west with the municipality of San Andrés.
- Land area: 150 km²
Resources
There is economic activity in the cultivation and production of coffee trees and beans, followed by the cultivation of basic grains such as corn and beans. Cattle raising is limited and mainly for local consumption. The municipality has electricity and mobile communication signal.
Water is obtained from drilled wells.
Population
85% of the population of Santa Cruz is directly descended from the indigenous Lenca people who previously inhabited these mountains. The remaining population is mestizo, but they still exhibit indigenous characteristics.
- Population: In 2001, this municipality had a population of 4,929 inhabitants. The National Institute of Statistics (INE) has estimated a population of 5,993 inhabitants for 2008.
- Hamlets: 6
- Hamlets: 61
Tourism
The detour to reach this main town is difficult to recognize. It is located 20 km from San Juan del Caite. The road from this detour to the main town is not in the best condition. For those who appreciate colonial architecture, the village church is a must-visit.
The main attraction that this town may offer is the landscapes provided by the liquidambar forests, as their leaves change color according to the season. Some mountains, like «Cerro El Jocón,» are so high that you can see several cities in El Salvador. During sunset and at night, it is easier to see the glow of distant lights.
- Patron Saint Festival: May 3, the day of the Holy Cross, and October 4, the day of San Francisco.
