History of Uribia

Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta mountains in 1903; followed by the San Antonio orphanage in 1910 located by the Calancala River, Nazareth orphanage in the Serrania de Macuira mountains in 1913 creating a direct influence over the Rancherias of Guarrachal, El Pájaro, Carazúa, Guaraguao, Murumana, Garra patamana and Karraipía. While Nazareth had some control over the rancherías of Taroa, Maguaipa, Guaseipá and Alpanapause. The friars constantly visited the settlements inviting to attend mass. Wayuu children in the orphanage were educated with traditional European customs. Conflicts between the Wayuu people and the Colombian government decreased since then. In 1942 the village of Uribia celebrated for the first time Christmas and New Year's Eve.

Official foundation

Uribia was founded officially on March 1, 1935 by Captain Eduardo Londoño Villegas in honor ofColombian Liberal Party leader Rafael Uribe Uribe, prior to this the village was named Chitki in Wayuu language. The main plaza was crated and named after Francisco de Paula Santanderone of the leaders of the Colombian independence from Spain.

Capital of the Special Commissary of La Guajira

Uribia became a regional capital town of the Special Commissary of La Guajira until 1954, when the National Intendency of La Guajira was created and the capital transferred to Riohacha