Boaco is called the "Ciudad de Dos Pisos" because of the hills it contains within and without. The whole town is nestled among rolling green hills that surrounds it like a fortress. The city streets can be thought of as a little San Francisco as they twist and wind around the shops and houses. There is a main market to buy food, clothes and miscellaneous supplies and buses depart hourly to the capital and surrounding pueblos.

Among the favorite sports are baseball and soccer played by children and adults alike. The major religion practiced is catholicism followed by evangelism. Located within the city boundaries are two catholic churches and four evangelical churches.

History

The name Boaco originates from the Aztecs. Its formation contains two roots "Boa" or "Boaj" which means enchantment. The last "o" of Boaco indicates it is a pueblo, therefore the name "Boaco" literally means: "Land of Enchantment."

Boaco Viejo (Old Boaco) was the first foundation for the city of Boaco. It is located approximately 12 km southeast of Boaco. In 1749, three groups (Zambos, Caribs and Mosquitos) were urged by England to invade Nicaragua. On December 22, 1749, Boaco Viejo was savagely ripped apart by this invasion and the settlement was destroyed. Those that were saved from this brutal massacre abandoned what was left of the village and walked westward, until they were on the high side of the Malacatoya River. This site thus became their second settlement of Boaco and today is known as Boaquito.

In 1752, the people realized even though they had the will to work, the land in Boaquito was infested with rocks, swamps and spiders. The plague of the land as well as the disease, cholera, drove the people to change location once more. They finally settled in what is known today as the city of Boaco.

Since the formation of the city, Boaco has always been a part of the Chontales' state. However, on February 4, 1910, Dr. Jose Madriz, who was serving as President at the time, advised the National Legislative Assembly to make the region of Boaco a state, however it was vetoed. It was not until July 18, 1935, under the leadership of Dr. Juan Bautista Sacasa, that the Republic of Nicaragua decreed Boaco a state.

The Benefactor of Boaco

In 1916, came the arrival Father Jose Nieborowski. He arrived by horse on a hot, dry day through the neighboring hills. After surveying the current conditions of Boaco, he aided in the development of the culture and economy of Boaco, through various projects.

With the aid of Father Nieborowski, Boaco finally had electricity and water as well as its first hospital, park and movie theater. Musical groups evolved and performed in the park at night. Also, a literacy campaign was initiated and a highway was constructed to form a better route to the capital, Managua. Due to the enthusiasm, efforts and strength of Father Jose Nieborowski, Boaco finally achieved its goal and celebrated its statehood in 1935.

Cultural History

The main event of the year in Boaco is a festival dedicated to Saint Santiago. It is celebrated for one week, with July 25 as the principal day. Among the popular attractions are the dancers with their bright colored costumes and their crowns which are adorned with flowers and streamers. In their hands, they carry a wooden staff carved in the form of a serpent. As the drums start the rhythm for the dancers, they portray the battle between the Moros and the Christians during the Spanish re-conquest. This spectacular show of colors and dancing attracts people from the surrounding areas.

Territorial Extension

The Boaco municipality includes an area of 1,070 km representing 4.9% of Region V of Nicaragua (Region V contains the states of Boaco, Chontales and South Zelaya). It includes 52 counties and 6 larger cities: Boaco, Camoapa, San Lorenzo, Teustepe, San Jose de los Remates and Santa Lucia.

Geography

On an average, the elevation is between 200 and 600 meters above sea level. The city of Boaco is 379 meters above sea level. Located to the north and west of Boaco is the Fonseca Rivera. Winding between the rolling green hills this river forms many small waterfalls that in summer time becomes a refreshing relief for children.

Economy

The economy includes two main sources: the production of diary products and the cattle industry. Boaco is considered the dairy and cattle state of Nicaragua and is estimated to possess a cattle population of approximately 450,000 cattle.

In the high lands, coffee and cabuya (similar to straw) are cultivated. The coffee is sold on a national level and a few businesses export it. In the plain lands, fields of beans, corn, wheat and rice are sowed for family consumption as well as source of income. Common vegetables such as tomatoes, cabbage, peppers, etc. are harvested in the smaller cities such as San Jose de los Remates and Santa Lucia.