Guazacapán
| Guazacapán | |
|---|---|
 Guazacapán
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| Country |  Guatemala |
| Department |  Santa Rosa |
| Population (2004) | |
| • Total | 12,250 |
| Climate | Aw |
Guazacapán (Spanish pronunciation: [ɡwasakaˈpan]) is a town located in Santa Rosa Department in south-west Guatemala. Guazacapán is also the name of the municipality in Santa Rosa Department around the town of Guazacapán. The municipality of Guazacapán covers 172 km² with a population of some 12,250 as of 2004[update].
History
The town dates back to pre-Columbian times, being in existence prior to the coming of the Spanish Conquistadores in the 16th century.
Guazacapán is known for the supposed witchcraft that used to be widely practiced by the indigenous people. The last of the great wizards, Pedro Dávila, died in 1979, and the craft is quickly being forgotten. There are still a few people who practice "white magic" in Guazacapán.
Once the Guazacapán area was inhabited by Xinca, one of Guatemala's indigenous groups. They settled there after the Pipil. Unfortunately, today Xinca is only spoken by three people in Guazacapan[citation needed]. Currently, there are efforts being made to teach this ancient language to the newer generations. There is in the town a rich history, and the people who live there keep that history alive through celebrations that incorporate traditional costume, marimba music and folkloric dance.
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