Que es ser catracho

Yoselin Kawas

Dr. Kimberly Barrow

ENC1101

September 20, 2018

What’s the definition of being Catracho?

            Central Americans refer to a person from Honduras as Catracho. The term was assigned by Nicaraguans in the mid-19th century when Honduran general Florencio Xatruch returned from battle with his Honduras and El Salvador soldiers after defeating American freebooters commanded by William Walker, whose purpose was to re-establish slavery and take over all of Central America. As the general and his soldiers returned , some Nicaraguans yelled out “Aqui vienen los xatruces!” meaning “Here come Xatruche’s boys!”

            However, Nicaraguans had so much trouble pronouncing the general's last name that they altered the phrase to los catruches and ultimately settled on los catrachos. Salvadorans fought side by side with their Honduran Central American brothers, against William Walker's troops. [1]

            Being Catracho is being part of a nation that fight for a better future. It means to feel proud to be born in a country which is full of wealth of flora and fauna. Being Catracho is to appreciate the typical foods that we offer. For example; Baleadas, which is flour tortillas fold in half with refried beans, sour cream and cheese filling.

If you ever have the pleasure to travel to Honduras there are various things you must do.

            First, you have to go to Santa Rosa de Copan which is the coffee capital of Honduras and one of the most important Maya civilizations, it consists of stone temples, two large pyramids, several stairways and plazas and a court for playing the ball game tlachtli. It also has a great selection of restaurants and bars. You can also enjoy a popular breakfast which consists in eggs, refried beans, sour cream, cheese, freshly handmade tortillas or sweet fried plantains accompanied with freshly made coffee from the city.

            Second, you must go to Roatan, the most developed Bay Island which attracts many people from around the world. Roatan’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the Caribbean. Surrounded by a barrier reef the calm of the water is ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, swimming with dolphins and many more water activities.

           Third, you have to visit Lago de Yojoa, along the main road between Tegucigalpa (capital) and San Pedro Sula (industrial capital) is the largest natural lake in Honduras, also is the only lake volcanic origin in Honduras. Lago de Yojoa is a popular spot for all the visitor that want to do hiking and watch the most beautiful views. In the main road, you will see on the sides vendors selling the sweetest fruit and handmade things like hammock and wood statues. You can also enjoy such an incredible food like fresh fried fish from the lake accompanied with casamiento (rice and beans cooked together) and green fried plantains.

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