La Virginia

La Virginia ( is a town and municipality in the Department of Risaralda, Colombia. About 50 km away from the capital Pereira. In 2023 the town had an estimated population of 28,488.

History

Founded in 1959 by Francisco Jaramillo, Pedro Martínez and Leonardo Villa, among others. This Municipality was in its beginnings a Palenque for black fugitives from slavery. The initial hamlet was called Sopinga and then Nigricia in the mid-19th century. On November 27, 1959, La Virginia was declared a municipality, since it previously belonged to Belalcazar, Caldas.

Climate

La Virginia has an average annual temperature of 23°C.