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History of Maracay


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Officially established on March 5, 1701 by Bishop Diego de Ba�os y Sotomayor in the valleys of Tocopio and Tapatapa (what is known today as the central valley of Aragua) in northern Venezuela. According to the most accepted explanation, it was named after a local indigenous chief, and refers to the "Maracayo" (Felis mitis), a small tiger. Alternative etymologies cite a local aromatic tree called Mara. Maracay experienced rapid growth during Juan Vicente G�mez's dictatorship (1908�1935). G�mez saw Maracay as a suitable place to make his residence during his rule, and ordered the construction of an Arc of Triumph, a bull plaza (a near replica of the one in Seville,Spain), an �pera house, a Zoo, and, most notably, the Hotel Jard�n (Garden Hotel), a majestic, tourist attraction with very large gardens. The city is home to the Mausoleo de G�mez (G�mez's mausoleum), where the dictator's remains are stored
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