Callao (pronounced Kah-yah'-oh) is the
major seaport of Perú, handling three-fourths of the nation's exports
and imports. It's fine natural harbor, which is protected by an offshore island
and a narrow peninsula, is one of the best equipped in South America; it is the
base of the peruvian Navy. The city is also a fishing center, and it contains
shipyards and a great variety of heavy and light manufactures.
- Situated west of Lima, the city capital of Peru.
- Population: 700,000 aproximate
- Extension: 58 sq. miles
- Literacy rate: 98%, the highest in Peru.
- It is the major seaport in Peru.
- Callao's Jorge Chavez International Airport is the main
airport in Peru.
- Divided in 6 districts:
- Bellavista
- Callao
- Carmen de la Legua-Reynoso
- La Perla
- La Punta
- Ventanilla
Other Facts
Origin of Callao's name. Since the XIX century it
is being debated the origin of Callao's name. The word has its origin in the
Latin language. Callao in spanish means peeble. One of the characteristics of
Callao's shores is that they are completely covered in peebles. In marine terms
the word "callao" means deep shore which is another caracteristic of Callao's
shores and the reason, according to many historians, why it was chosen as the
main peruvian seaport. In the Quechua language, the term "callu" means "tongue
of land" which is the charateristic of one part of Callao. Combined with the
Quechua denominative "o" which means "site", would give "calluo" meaning the
"site of the tongue of land". Some Callao historians think that the spanish
conquistadors got the name from the natives but change it to "callao" because
it was easier for them to pronounce. Most of Callao historians believe in a
spanish origin of the name.
Chalaco. The people of Callao are called
"chalacos". The name has its origin in the Quechua language. Chala is the leave
that covers the corn. The spanish chronicles tells us that the natives used
these leaves to cover the roof of their houses. Many natives built their houses
in sandy areas or "ako" in order to preserve arable land. The native that
collected the "chala" was called "chalakuni". Then with the time it became
"chalaco".
Chim Pum. It is obscure how this frase originated.
It is known that in the 1920's the frase was already used by the fans of
Atlético Chalaco, Callao's oldest soccer team. Some people think that
the frase is even older and that it originated as a "war cry" in the combat
between the Spanish Fleet and Perú that took place in Callao in 1866.
Nowadays, the frase is still used in sports events, but it has become widely
used in parties and concerts, political events, cultural events, and many more.
The frase is no more a simple frase, it is the "spirit of Callao".
Chim Pum
Callao! |
