Constanza is a town and the third largest municipality in La Vega Province, Dominican Republic.

History

The name of Constanza has its origin in the legend the daughter of a local taino cacique whom lived in the valley. In 1852, the British explorer and consul Sir Robert Hermann Schomburgk mentions the existence of a farm in the valley of Constanza. The town was formally founded in 1894. In September 9, 1907 the town was incorporated into a municipality in the province of La Vega.

In 1955, the municipality of Jarabacoa and the municipality of Constanza were made into a province called Jarabacoa with Constanza as it's capital. It was named Jarabacoa because of the river that passed the 2 municipalities.

In June 14, 1959 a plane landed in an airstrip with more than forty rebels with the purpose of deposing the dictator Rafael Leonidas Trujillo Molina. They fought guerrillas in the nearby mountains, and after two months against the Dominican Army managed to end the rebellion.

Geography

Constanza is located at a height of 1220 meters (4000 feet) in the middle of the Cordillera Central. Average temperatures during the year range between 5°C and 20°C. The valley is 8 km long and 4 km wide.

Economy

The local economy is based upon agriculture. It is known for its strawberries, peaches, apples, garlic and potatoes. Constanza it is also known for its wide variety of flowers, specially its roses.

Tourism

Constanza is known for its remarkable mountain climate despite being located in a tropical island. Local tourism is very often during winter time. Throughout the rest of the year it is visited because of its closeness to the cientific reserve of Ebano Verde and also to have the nearest route to the Pico Duarte, the highest point in the Caribbean.

Ecology

The nearby cientific reserve of Ebano Verde is the stronghold of the widest variety of flora and fauna of Hispaniola. The mountains surrounding the valley of Constanza are covered in Hispaniolan Pine (Pinus occidentalis) forests. Typical fauna seen in the area includes the Hispaniolan Palm Crow, Antillean Siskin, Rufous-throated Solitaire, Hispaniolan Crossbill (abundance directly related to pine cone crop), and Hispaniolan Trogon, while at lower elevations the Hispaniolan Parrot, Scaly-naped Pigeon and Golden Swallow can be seen.

Transportation

The town can be reached either by local airlines through the Constanza Airport or through local bus companies.

Demographics

Constanza is home to an unusual combination of ethnic groups, having been an area settled by numerous Spanish and Japanese immigrant workers encouraged to come to the Dominican Republic during the infamous dictadorship of Trujillo. Now some two or three generations on their presence is still substantial in the area and provides the town. They were attracted by the cooler climate that goes on all year round.

External links

• Official Website of the City
• Digital Newspaper of the City