Barranquitas (bahr-rahn-KEE-tahs) is a small mountain town located in the central region, north of Aibonito and Coamo; south of Corozal and Naranjito; east of Orocovis; and west of Comerio. Barranquitas is spread over 6 wards and Barranquitas Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city).

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.

History

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)

• Barrancas
• Cañabón
• Helechal y Honduras
• Palo Hincado
• Quebrada Grande
• Quebradillas

Geo/Topography

Rivers: Barranquitas, Grande de Manatí, La Plata, Piñonas, Rio Hondo, and Usabón.

Economic

Agriculture

Agriculture (coffee, fruits, vegetables and flowers),

Business

Commerce

Industrial

Manufacture (footwear and clothing)

Tourism

Landmarks and Places of Interest

Barranquitas is the burial place of two Puerto Rican Governors, Luis Muñoz Rivera (who was born in town) and his son, 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.

Notable "Barranquiteños"

• Antonio Aponte Ramos
• Efraín Colón Torres
• Luis Muñoz Marín - Governor of Puerto Rico
• Luis Muñoz Rivera - Politician, journalist and poet
• José A. Negrón Sanjurjo
• José Colón
• Naldo de la Loma
• Pedro Pereales

Barranquitas, Puerto Rico. (2006, September 13). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 19:54, October 12, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Barranquitas%2C_Puerto_Rico&oldid=75533566