| Barranquitas, Puerto Rico | |||
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| Nickname(s): Cuna de Próceres", "Cuna Feria de Artesanías", "El Altar de la Patria", "El Pueblo de Luis Muñoz Rivera | |||
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| Country | United States | ||
| Territory | Puerto Rico | ||
| Founded | 1803 | ||
| Government | |||
| - Mayor | Hon. Francisco "Paco" López (PNP) | ||
| - Senatorial dist. | Guayama | ||
| - Representative dist. | 27 | ||
| Area | |||
| - Total | 33.2 sq mi (86.01 km2) | ||
| - Land | 33.2 sq mi (86 km2) | ||
| - Water | 0 sq mi (.01 km2) | ||
| Population (2000) | |||
| - Total | 28,909 | ||
| - Density | 846.9/sq mi (327.0/km2) | ||
| - Gentilic | Barranquiteños | ||
| Time zone | AST (UTC-4) | ||
| Anthem – "Aquí en el centro de nuestra tierra" | |||
Barranquitas (bahr-rahn-KEE-tahs) is a small mountain town located in the central region, south of Corozal and Naranjito; north of Coamo and Aibonito; west of Comerío and Cidra; and east of Orocovis. Barranquitas is spread over 6 wards and Barranquitas Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city). It is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Barranquitas is about one hour by winding roads from San Juan, the capital. It is nestled amid hills and mountains, and nearby, between Barranquitas and Aibonito, is located the "cañon de San Cristobal" (Canyon of San Cristopher); one of the deepest canyons in the Indies. For years, the overlook was tragically used as a municipal garbage; in the last decade, the refuse was carted out and the site restored.
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History
Barranquitas's local Taino Indian Cacique (Chief) was called Orocobix and his yucayeque or tribe was known as the Jatibonicu Taino.
The town was founded in 1803 by Antonio Aponte Ramos.
Early in the 20th century, Barranquitas residents, known as Barranquiteños, had a short but legendary territory war with residents of the city of Comerío.
Flag
Three horizontal stripes of equal width form the flag of Barranquitas: white superior represents the silver color on the shield), the green center and the yellow bottom represents the gold color)
Coat of Arms
The gorges resemble the San Cristóbal Gorge, located in the territorial division of the municipalities of Barranquitas and Aibonito. The yagrumo trees characteristic of the mountainous zone of Puerto Rico, symbolize the elevation above sea level of Barranquitas, one of the highest elevations within the municipalities of the island. The three tower crown represents cities, towns or municipalities.
Demographics
Barrios (Districts/Wards)[1]
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Geo/Topography
Rivers: Río de Barranquitas, Río Grande de Manatí, Río de la Plata, Piñonas, Río Hondo, and Río Usabón.
Economy
Agriculture
Agriculture of Barranquitas includes coffee, fruits, vegetables and flowers.
Industry
Barranquitas manufacturers include footwear and clothing.
Tourism
Landmarks and places of interest
Barranquitas is the burial place of two prominent Puerto Rican politicians, Luis Muñoz Rivera (who was born in town) and his son, Governor Luis Muñoz Marín (who was born in San Juan). This has made Barranquitas a popular tourist attraction among Puerto Ricans. The birthplace of Muñoz Rivera has been turned into a museum.
- Camp Morton
- El Cortijo Castle
- Hacienda Grande Ruins
- Luis Muñoz Rivera Cultural Center
- Luis Muñoz Rivera Museum
- San Cristóbal Gorge
Festivals and events
- De la Vega Festival - May
- San Antonio de Padua Patron Festivities - June
- National Artesans Fair- July
Sports
Barranquitas has no professional sports teams, but there are some amateur sports teams that play there. A yearly craft fair is held in town.
References
External links
Coordinates: 18°11′12″N 66°18′23″W / 18.18667°N 66.30639°W
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