Gonzanamá is a small town and also part of one of the 16 cantons (Gonzanamá) in Loja Province, Ecuador.
History
The name of the city was created by two different native languages of Ecuador: Spanish and Quechua. The name of the cacique from the tribe of the anamaés is Gonza and the name of the coveted territory, which means favorite to the god of the water, is Anama or Munamá. Another meaning of the name is break of hills, because the city is located on the „Andes’s Mountains“.
After the Spanish conquest came some Dominicans, who have founded "The doctrine of Santo Domingo de Gonzanamá".
This was formed from different big confederations: Colambos Colcas Purunumas Sacapalcas Changaiminas Lanzacas Quilangas Nambocolas Anganumas Luginumas Chalangas
During the colonization, the citizens of Gonzanamá reacted. They did not want to be submitted by the Spanish people. This was when the town decided to write the Declaration of Independence on 17 February 1822. At the beginning Gonzanamá was just a rural parish from the canton of Loja. On 27 September 1943 the Government of Dr. Carlos Arroyo del Rio created legislative Decree number 928 for it to become a big canton. This was officially published on the 30 September 1943.
Location
Altitude: 1980 meters
Area of the town: 712 km2
It is located in the middle of Loja Province. The borders are: To the north: Catamayo To the south: Quilanga To the east: Catamayo and Loja To the west: Paltas and Calvas
Distance from Gonzanamá to Loja (capital city of Loja Province): 81 km
Government
The first authority is a called mayor, who is selected every 5 years. It has a municipality. The current mayor is Ing. Norman Omar Espinoza.
It is divided into: One urban parish: Gonzanamá Four rural parishes: Nambacola, Purunuma, Salcapalca and Changaimina Eighty neighborhoods The basic services are: Drinking water Sewerage Electricity Telephony
Population
The population represent 3.7% from all the population of Loja and it grows every year about 1.3%. 89.7% of the population are residents of the rural area and it is characterized of young people, because 45.8% of them are under 20.
The 14.987 inhabitants are divided as: Urban area: 1.539 Rural area: 13.448
Most of the people dedicated their lives to the agriculture of tomatoes, sugar cane and other products. Cattle raising is another way to survive for the inhabitants of Gonzanamá, especially in the area of Colca. Timber production is very high and one of the most popular trees is the pine. Hand craftsmanship is also practiced. The native language is Spanish.
Climate
Gonzanamá has a subtropical highland climate (Köppen: Cwb). The light showers and small storms are very common.
Gonzanamá was devastated by an earthquake on the last century, which also toppled the principal church of the town.
Temperature: 18 °C (11 °C – 22 °C)
Culture
Typical food
Pea soup and green bananas with coffee or colada
Beef stew with coffee or colada
Sponge cake with milk or coffee
Marzipan with milk or coffee
There are also many parties, which are celebrated every year.
Agricultural, livestock and craft show
The date of the party will be planned every year. Special guests will be invited and parades-competitions of horses. At the party dimantina (a mix of fresh milk and alcohol) will be offered for all the people. The exhibition of beautiful crafts is also a part of this party.
11 September: The anniversary of Changaimina as a parish. 13 September: The anniversary of Purunuma as a parish. 24 June: The anniversary of Nambacola as a parish. 8 December: The anniversary of Sacapalca as a parish.
At many of these parties the Queen of the parish will be selected. Another tradition is choosing a symbol mother, who has for two years been Clemencia Simancas.
Education
The lessons started in the mountain range and the Amazon at the same time (1 September). The school year is divided into two parts, each lasting 5 months.
The highest school score is 10/10 points.
A list of school supplies is required for all students, it is composed by: School supplies: notebooks, folders, pens and others. Personal cleaning supplies: a small tower, soap, toilet paper and damp paper.
There are four elementary schools, four high schools, one weekend school and also a few state universities.