Walking through San Cristobal, situated in the northern Andes mountains, you can see the Torbes River. Founded in 1561 by Juan de Maldonado, this capitol of the State of Tachira rapidly grew into an important commercial and political influence in Venezuela mainly for its rich soil and proximity to Colombia's border. The people of San Cristobal are hardworking and passionate about the city's folk and historical heritage.
Banks, shops, youth attractions and commercial enterprises draw citizen and tourists alike to San Cristobal. The discover of oil in 1875 in the State of Tachira helped influence the city's economy along with agribusiness providing bumper crops of sugar and vegetables. Coffee and pineapples are key exports. San Cristobal is rich in textile productions as well as meat production from cattle. One of the most consolidated industries in the city is the Tachira Dairy. Shopping may take you to the busy stalls or the big supermarkets in the city center where statues of historical figures are popular gathering places.
Serving as a state municipality San Cristobal has four functions politically and administratively. The mayor is the executive figure that administers government for the state. Seven councilors deliberate new laws and legislation. Managing the accounting of the state is the comptroller and overseeing development projects of the city are the Local Public Planners. This city of flowers, statues, churches and commerce also offers several of the nation's higher learning institutions.
Participating in sports is big business and a favorite past time of San Cristobal citizens.
Four major facilities include baseball and soccer stadiums, the Velodrome and Stadium of Futsal. The international sports community is part of regular events scheduled at these important centers of the city, state and nation. San Cristobal hosted the 2006 Copa America competition.
Drawing crowds from everywhere, the traditional holiday La Feria San Sebastian provides celebrants with bullfights and sports events including a national bicycle race. Participants walk through sidewalk art exhibits, endless stalls of food and shops providing local produce and crafts. Festivities begin at the end of January.
