Aguada, Puerto Rico
Encyclopedia
Aguada is a municipality
of Puerto Rico
, located in the western coastal valley region bordering the Atlantic Ocean
, west of Rincón
, Aguadilla
and Moca
; and north of Anasco
. It is part of the Aguadilla-Isabela-San Sebastián Metropolitan Statistical Area. Aguada's population is spread over 17 wards and Aguada Pueblo, which is the downtown area and the administrative center of the city.
entered the island of Puerto Rico
through Aguada on his second voyage in November 1493. However, the nearby city of Aguadilla
also claims to be the site of Columbus' arrival. While there is no specific historical proof, it is known that many of the first attempts to set up a town on the island were in Aguada.
In July 1510, Cristóbal de Sotomayor received control of the area from Juan Ponce de León
and renamed the town Villa de Sotomayor.
Aguada became a stopover point for ships on their way to Spain
from South America
. On 1737, Philip V
, King of Spain, declared that all mail on route to Venezuela
and other South American countries from Puerto Rico must exit from Aguada's ports, leading to the area's economic growth.
. Also, there is Cerro Gordo, peaking at 260m (853 feet).
, Río Culebra
, Río Culebrinas, Río Grande
, Río Guayabo
, Río Ingenio
and Caño Madre Vieja.
Some of the landmarks and places of interest in Aguada are:
Also, every year in the month of November, a parade called "La Parada del Descubrimento" (Discovery Day Parade) is celebrated to remember the discovery of Puerto Rico by Columbus. In this parade the people walk from the Catholic church to the Cross of Columbus next to the beach in Guaniquilla.
s of Aguada, until present time.
Aguada's flag was designed by Pedro Vélez Adróvar. It features three main colors: white, red, and yellow. White represents purity and the waters of Culebrinas River
. Over the white field, a blue triangle with a blue dove is featured. The dove is the symbol of peace that unites the towns. Red symbolizes the martyrdom of Franciscan friars from Espinal. Over the red field, there's a cross which represents the birth of Christianity
in Puerto Rico. The name of "Aguada" is also above the cross. The yellow field represents happiness and hospitality of the residents. Over the yellow field, there's a star which symbolizes the hope of the town for more development and progress.
and Father Saint Francis is taken from the badge of the Order of Friars Minor. It represents the motto "Pax et Bonum", which means "peace and good will between man and the Redeemer". The sun below the cross symbolizes the light that brightens the world. The lower part of the shield consists of five ships that symbolize the second voyage of Christopher Columbus
, who allegedly arrived at the western "Guaniquilla" coast on November 19, 1493 to gather water. Although the precise location is disputed, the Aguada wells is a plausible site for the actual event. The mural crown in the upper part of the shield signifies the title "Muy Leal Villa" (very loyal village), that was given to this town by King Charles III in 1778. The official colors of the shield are: red, which stands for the fraternal love in Aguada; gold, for the Spanish royalty in Puerto Rico; green, for the island's hope and fertility; black, for the wooden beam of the cross; blue, for the sky and the kingship of God; and white, for Christ's purity and the purity of the people of the town toward the cultural patrimony.
Municipality
A municipality is essentially an urban administrative division having corporate status and usually powers of self-government. It can also be used to mean the governing body of a municipality. A municipality is a general-purpose administrative subdivision, as opposed to a special-purpose district...
of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
, located in the western coastal valley region bordering the Atlantic Ocean
Atlantic Ocean
The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's oceanic divisions. With a total area of about , it covers approximately 20% of the Earth's surface and about 26% of its water surface area...
, west of Rincón
Rincón, Puerto Rico
Rincón is a municipality of Puerto Rico founded in 1771 by Don Luis de Añasco . It is located in the Western Coastal Valley, west of Añasco and Aguada. Rincón is spread over 8 wards and Rincón Pueblo...
, Aguadilla
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Aguadilla , founded in 1775 by Luis de Córdova, is a city located in the northwestern tip of Puerto Rico bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, north of Aguada, and Moca and west of Isabela. Aguadilla is spread over 15 wards and Aguadilla Pueblo...
and Moca
Moca, Puerto Rico
Moca is a municipality of Puerto Rico located in the north-western region of the island, north of Añasco; southeast of Aguadilla; east of Aguada; and west of Isabela and San Sebastián. Moca is spread over 12 wards and Moca Pueblo...
; and north of Anasco
Añasco, Puerto Rico
Añasco , named after one of its settlers, Don Luis de Añasco, is a municipality of Puerto Rico located on the west coast of the island bordering the Mona Passage to the west, north of Mayagüez, and Las Marias; south of Rincón, Aguada, and Moca and west of San Sebastián and Las Marias...
. It is part of the Aguadilla-Isabela-San Sebastián Metropolitan Statistical Area. Aguada's population is spread over 17 wards and Aguada Pueblo, which is the downtown area and the administrative center of the city.
History
It is believed that Christopher ColumbusChristopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus was an explorer, colonizer, and navigator, born in the Republic of Genoa, in northwestern Italy. Under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, he completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean that led to general European awareness of the American continents in the...
entered the island of Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico , officially the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico , is an unincorporated territory of the United States, located in the northeastern Caribbean, east of the Dominican Republic and west of both the United States Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands.Puerto Rico comprises an...
through Aguada on his second voyage in November 1493. However, the nearby city of Aguadilla
Aguadilla, Puerto Rico
Aguadilla , founded in 1775 by Luis de Córdova, is a city located in the northwestern tip of Puerto Rico bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and west, north of Aguada, and Moca and west of Isabela. Aguadilla is spread over 15 wards and Aguadilla Pueblo...
also claims to be the site of Columbus' arrival. While there is no specific historical proof, it is known that many of the first attempts to set up a town on the island were in Aguada.
In July 1510, Cristóbal de Sotomayor received control of the area from Juan Ponce de León
Juan Ponce de León
Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer. He became the first Governor of Puerto Rico by appointment of the Spanish crown. He led the first European expedition to Florida, which he named...
and renamed the town Villa de Sotomayor.
Aguada became a stopover point for ships on their way to Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
from South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
. On 1737, Philip V
Philip V
Philip V may refer to:* Philip V of Macedon * Philip V of France * Philip II of Spain, also Philip V, Duke of Burgundy * Philip V of Spain...
, King of Spain, declared that all mail on route to Venezuela
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
and other South American countries from Puerto Rico must exit from Aguada's ports, leading to the area's economic growth.
Land features
Aguada is part of the Coastal Plains of the West, with more than half of its terrain being slightly mountainous, while the rest is plain terrain. Among the mountains located in Aguada is San Francisco mountain, which is the birthpoint of the Cordillera CentralCordillera Central, Puerto Rico
The Cordillera Central, or La Cordillera Central , is the main mountain range in Puerto Rico. Generally speaking, the range crosses the island from west to east with an average elevation of 915m and divides the territory's northern and southern coastal plains.La Cordillera Central runs east to...
. Also, there is Cerro Gordo, peaking at 260m (853 feet).
Water features
Aguada's most important rivers are: Río CañasRío Cañas (Aguada, Puerto Rico)
-See also:*List of rivers of Puerto Rico-References:*USGS Hydrologic Unit Map – Caribbean Region *...
, Río Culebra
Río Culebra (Aguada, Puerto Rico)
-See also:*List of rivers of Puerto Rico-References:*USGS Hydrologic Unit Map – Caribbean Region *...
, Río Culebrinas, Río Grande
Río Grande (Aguada, Puerto Rico)
-See also:*List of rivers of Puerto Rico-References:*USGS Hydrologic Unit Map – Caribbean Region *...
, Río Guayabo
Río Guayabo
-See also:* List of rivers of Puerto Rico-References:*USGS Hydrologic Unit Map – Caribbean Region *...
, Río Ingenio
Río Ingenio
-See also:*List of rivers of Puerto Rico-References:*USGS Hydrologic Unit Map – Caribbean Region *...
and Caño Madre Vieja.
Barrios
There are 18 "barrios" or wards in Aguada:- Aguada Pueblo
- Asomante
- Atalaya
- Carrizal
- Cerro Gordo
- Cruces
- Espinar
- Guanábano
- Guaniquilla
- Guayabo
- Jagüey
- Lagunas
- Mal Paso
- Mamey
- Marías
- Naranjo
- Piedras Blancas
- Río Grande
Tourism
- Aguada Museum located in a former railroad station building.
- Coloso Sugar Cane Refinery
- La Cruz de Culebrinas
- Hermitage of Espinar
- Pico de Piedra Beach
- Loma Linda Stables
- San Francisco de Asís Parish
- Aguada transmission stationAguada transmission stationAguada transmission station is a facility of the US Navy for transmitting orders to submerged submarines near Aguada in Puerto Rico at 18°23'55"N 67°10'38"W by using radio waves in the low frequency range....
, the tallest man-made structure in Puerto Rico.
Culture
Some of the festivals and celebrations held in Aguada are:- Noche de San Juan Festival - June
- Chopa Festival - August
- Juey Festival - October
- San Francisco de Asis Patron Festivities - October
- Artesans Fair - November
Also, every year in the month of November, a parade called "La Parada del Descubrimento" (Discovery Day Parade) is celebrated to remember the discovery of Puerto Rico by Columbus. In this parade the people walk from the Catholic church to the Cross of Columbus next to the beach in Guaniquilla.
Demographics
| Racial - (self-defined) Aguada, Puerto Rico - 2010 Census |
||
|---|---|---|
| Race | Population | % of Total |
| White White people White people is a term which usually refers to human beings characterized, at least in part, by the light pigmentation of their skin... |
36,350 | 86.6% |
| Black Black people The term black people is used in systems of racial classification for humans of a dark skinned phenotype, relative to other racial groups.Different societies apply different criteria regarding who is classified as "black", and often social variables such as class, socio-economic status also plays a... /African American African American African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States... |
2,226 | 5.3% |
| American Indian Native Americans in the United States Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as... and Alaska Native |
129 | 0.3% |
| Asian Asian people Asian people or Asiatic people is a term with multiple meanings that refers to people who descend from a portion of Asia's population.- Central Asia :... |
22 | 0.1% |
| Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Pacific Islander Pacific Islander , is a geographic term to describe the indigenous inhabitants of any of the three major sub-regions of Oceania: Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia.According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, these three regions, together with their islands consist of:Polynesia:... |
0 | 0.0% |
| Some other race | 2,222 | 5.3% |
| Two or more races | 1,010 | 2.4% |
Mayors
This is a list of registered and known mayorMayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
s of Aguada, until present time.
| Years | Mayor | Political Party |
|---|---|---|
| 1921 - 1928 | Manuel Ruiz Gonzalez | |
| 1928 - 1932 | Carlos Gonzalez | |
| 1932 - 1936 | Efigenio Charneco | |
| 1936 - 1940 | Femando Rivera | |
| 1940 - 1944 | Andres Carrero | |
| 1944 - 1948 | Juan Villarrubia Santiago | PPD Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico The Popular Democratic Party of Puerto Rico is a political party that supports Puerto Rico's right to self-determination and sovereignty, through the enhancement of Puerto Rico's current status as a commonwealth.... |
| 1948 - 1960 | Manuel Egipciaco | PPD |
| 1960 - 1968 | Juan Figueroa Gonzalez | PPD |
| 1968 - 1972 | Julio C. Roman Gonzalez | PNP New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico The New Progressive Party of Puerto Rico is a political party that advocates for Puerto Rico's admission to the United States of America as the 51st state... |
| 1972 - 1976 | Mabel Velez de Acevedo | PPD |
| 1976 - 2000 | Julio C. Roman Gonzalez (Yuyo) | PNP |
| 2000 - 2004 | Miguel A. Ruiz Hernandez (Miguelito) | PPD |
| 2004 - | Luis A. Echevarria Santiago (Berty) | PNP |
Flag
Culebrinas River
The Culebrinas River , is a river in northwest Puerto Rico. It originates in southwestern Lares and flows for till it empties into the Mona Passage south of downtown Aguadilla.- History :...
. Over the white field, a blue triangle with a blue dove is featured. The dove is the symbol of peace that unites the towns. Red symbolizes the martyrdom of Franciscan friars from Espinal. Over the red field, there's a cross which represents the birth of Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
in Puerto Rico. The name of "Aguada" is also above the cross. The yellow field represents happiness and hospitality of the residents. Over the yellow field, there's a star which symbolizes the hope of the town for more development and progress.
Coat of Arms
The coat of arms was given to the city after King Charles III elevated it to "villa" through royal decree on January 14, 1778. Its symbols represent several aspects of history, religion and culture. The cross, with the interlaced arms of ChristChrist
Christ is the English term for the Greek meaning "the anointed one". It is a translation of the Hebrew , usually transliterated into English as Messiah or Mashiach...
and Father Saint Francis is taken from the badge of the Order of Friars Minor. It represents the motto "Pax et Bonum", which means "peace and good will between man and the Redeemer". The sun below the cross symbolizes the light that brightens the world. The lower part of the shield consists of five ships that symbolize the second voyage of Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus
Christopher Columbus was an explorer, colonizer, and navigator, born in the Republic of Genoa, in northwestern Italy. Under the auspices of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, he completed four voyages across the Atlantic Ocean that led to general European awareness of the American continents in the...
, who allegedly arrived at the western "Guaniquilla" coast on November 19, 1493 to gather water. Although the precise location is disputed, the Aguada wells is a plausible site for the actual event. The mural crown in the upper part of the shield signifies the title "Muy Leal Villa" (very loyal village), that was given to this town by King Charles III in 1778. The official colors of the shield are: red, which stands for the fraternal love in Aguada; gold, for the Spanish royalty in Puerto Rico; green, for the island's hope and fertility; black, for the wooden beam of the cross; blue, for the sky and the kingship of God; and white, for Christ's purity and the purity of the people of the town toward the cultural patrimony.