Naranjito is a municipality of Puerto Rico located in the central region of the island, south of Toa Alta; north of Barranquitas and Comerío; east of Corozal; and west of Bayamón. Naranjito is spread over 15 wards and Naranjito Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city).

Naranjito's name comes from an old legend telling the story of two ways to get to downtown Toa Alta. One had a big orange tree and the other one a little orange tree. The road with the little orange tree was easier and faster. Naranjito means little orange tree.

History

Founding

Naranjito was founded on December 3, 1824 by Braulio Morales. Derives its name from the large quantity of orange trees ("naranjas") grown in the town.

Flag

It consists of an orange flag crossed by two narrow green stripes close to the superior and inferior edges.

Coat of Arms

It consists of a red cross that is symbol of San Miguel de Arcángel, Patron of Naranjito. The globe with the cross symbolizes the power and sovereignty of God. The gold and red stripes that appear in the second and third quarters, constitute the primitive baton of the Guafiana lineage. The lily twigs are a tribute of San Antonio de Padua, confessor and doctor of the Church. The orange tree represents the small tree that gave the town's name, Naranjito. The crown is symbol of moral unit of the town.

Demographics

Barrios (Districts/Wards)

• Achiote
• Anones
• Cedro Abajo
• Cedro Arriba
• Guadiana
• Lomas
• Nuevo

Economic

Agriculture

Cattle, fruits, poultry

Business

Commerce, services

Industrial

Small factories

Landmarks and Places of Interest

• Anones Park
• Cancha Gelito Ortega
• Cedro Abajo Falls
• La Marina Boardwalk
• La Plata Lake
• Las Avispas Hills
• Municipal Swiming Pool
• Trovador Plaza
  

Festivals and Events

• Mothers Day - May
• Volleyball Tournment - May / July
• San Antonio Day - June
• Chango Festival - June
• Anon Festival - June
• Patron Festivities - September
  

Notable Naranjiteños

• Aurelio Gracia Morales - Lawyer, Superior Judge
• Felipa Sánchez Cruzado
• Francisco (Paco) Roque - Poet
• José Archilla Cabrera - Professor, Poet & Pharmacist
• Mercedes Rosado - Lawyer, Superior Judge
• Monseñor Eduardo Berríos
• Paquito López Cruz el Rivero, "Diplo" - Famous comedian.
• Tito Enriquez.

Naranjito, Puerto Rico. (2006, September 19). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 21:32, October 19, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Naranjito%2C_Puerto_Rico&oldid=76623421