Municipality of Virginia
Virginia is a municipality in the Department of Lempira in Honduras.
It was founded in 1830. In the territorial division of 1889, it was one of the municipalities in the Candelaria District. It acquired the title of ownership from its elected officials in 1864.
Geography
Virginia is located in a flat area surrounded by many hills. The vegetation here corresponds to the dry subtropical forest. It experiences six months of dry summer without rainfall. Its elevation above sea level is slightly higher than that of the municipality of Mapulaca. The municipal center has some steep slopes.
The most beautiful place in Virginia to enjoy nature is the Lempa River. It takes 8 minutes by vehicle to travel from the urban center to the river.
With a dry subtropical climate, the municipality has the advantage of harnessing the waters of the river for irrigation projects.
Unfortunately, the current mayor’s administration has not taken the initiative. It is hoped that in the upcoming term, a large project benefiting the residents of this municipality will be carried out.
The current Municipal Mayor of Virginia is Mr. Carlos Leonardo Argueta, who during his eight-year administration focused mainly on improving the soccer field in Virginia Centro and enhancing his properties (coffee farms) located in the municipality of San Juan Intibuca, completely neglecting the human development of its people.
It is expected that during the 2018-2022 period, there will be a change in municipal government with the best candidate being citizen Reginaldo Echeverria. It seems that the Argueta family is unwilling to relinquish their personal income.
Boundaries
The municipality of Virginia has the following boundaries: to the north, it borders the municipality of Candelaria; to the south, it borders the Republic of El Salvador. To the east, it borders the municipality of Piraera; and to the west, it borders the municipality of Mapulaca.
- Land area: 36 km²
Resources
Due to its proximity to El Salvador, it is easier for the residents of Virginia to transport merchandise, although there is an equal amount of Honduran products available. Additionally, there are more job opportunities in El Salvador, with the advantage of receiving payment in US dollars. Coffee cannot be grown due to the elevation and soil type, so the main crops are maize, sorghum, beans, watermelon, melon, and cassava, followed by livestock farming. However, most of the produce is consumed locally.
The municipality has had electricity since 1997.
Regarding telecommunication, from 2000 to 2006, there was telephone line coverage from the neighboring Republic of El Salvador. Starting in 2006, the coverage of Honduran mobile telephony expanded.
In 2016, the urban center and some villages have free Wi-Fi service. Efforts are being made to improve communication for the residents.
Population
In the municipality of Virginia, mestizos make up 80% of the population, with the majority concentrated in the municipal center. The remaining 20% consists of descendants of indigenous people and is located in the surrounding villages.
In 2001, this municipality had a population of 2,734 people. According to estimates by the INE Honduras, it is expected to reach 2,846 people by 2008.
- Villages: Agua Zarca, Celilac, El Rodeo, and Guaquincora.
- Hamlets: 35
Tourism
For those who enjoy rural environments, the cheerful and friendly people throughout the municipality make it an appropriate place to visit. Another suitable place to appreciate the natural beauty is the Lempa River, where visitors can refresh themselves in its waters.
During weekdays, the residents consider themselves to be in a festive mood as many people come to swim. The municipality has first aid personnel to ensure safety at the river.
Those who wish to visit this natural beauty can do so from November to May when the water is very clean. During the rainy months, the water becomes muddy, and people engage in fishing.
PATRON SAINT FESTIVAL
The community celebrations and fairs attract many enthusiasts.
- Patron Saint Festival: December 13th, the day of Saint Lucia.
