Formerly known as Puripí, indigenous name.
News Colombia.
In the western province of Boyacá there is Bricenoa municipality that combines tradition, history and nature in the same territory. Although today it is recognized for its welcoming climate and its striking landscapes, its name hides a tribute that very few know and that dates back to times of civil conflicts and influential figures in the construction of the country.
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The Government of Boyacá highlights Briceño as a growing tourist destination, surrounded by mountains, rural roads and ideal settings for those seeking rest and connection with nature. But it was ordinance 14 of 1890, issued by the General Assembly of Boyacá, that defined its modern identity: the municipality was named in honor of the General Manuel Briceño, conservative politician born in Bogotá and protagonist of the civil wars of 1876 and 1885.
This tribute made the territory one of the few municipalities in Boyacá that bear the name of a military figure, highlighting the influence that Manuel Briceño had in the republican history of the country. His participation in armed conflicts and his role in national political life positioned him as a relevant figure in the decisions of the time, a merit that was reflected in the municipal nomenclature.
However, long before receiving its current name, Briceño had a deeply indigenous origin. The sector was known as Puripí, a village in the old Muzo territory inhabited by Caribbean communities. This is recorded by the Boyacá Tourist Information System (Situr), which highlights how this space was ancestral territory before the arrival of settlers and the republican administrative organization.
This contrast between indigenous past and military tribute makes Briceño a unique place on the map of Boyacá, where pre-Hispanic roots dialogue with the historical events of the 19th century. Visiting it involves not only walking natural trails, but also getting closer to a collective memory that spans multiple eras and cultures.
Today, Briceño continues to establish itself as an attractive destination for lovers of rural tourism, little-known stories and quiet towns full of meaning. Its name, inherited from a general, and its indigenous origin position it as one of the most interesting municipalities in Boyacá, a territory where history is still alive among mountains and traditions.
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