Quebradillas (ke-brah-DEE-yahs) is a municipality of the island of Puerto Rico, located in the north-western shore bordering the Atlantic Ocean, north of San Sebastián; east of Isabela; and west of Camuy. Quebradillas is spread over 18 wards and Ponce Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city).

Quebradillas is called "La Guarida del Pirata" (The Pirate's Hideout) in the old days before Quebradillas was a town this place was known to be a hideout for Pirates. A well known beach in the area, Puerto Hermina, is home to an old structure known to have been a hiding place for pirate's and their contraband.

History

Founding

The town was founded in 1823 by Don Felipe Ruiz. This town derives its name from the large amount of streams flowing through it. The name literally means "small streams".

Flag

It has two red quarters. The red stands for struggle, effort and sacrifice. The other two quarters have each five (5) green and white stripes, similar to those that appear in the shield.

Coat of Arms

The three waved stripes represent the quebradillas, over the green background of the vegetation. The fish and the walking stick (distinctive of the traveller), are insignias of San Rafael Arcángel, by allusion from the episodes narrated in the book of Tobías in the Old Testament.

Demographics

Barrios (Districts/Wards)

• Cacao
• Charcas
• Cocos
• Guajataca
• San Antonio
• San José
• Terranova
  

Geo/Topography

Quebradillas is home to one of the 20 designated forest preserves in Puerto Rico, the Guajataca Forest. It is also home to the beautiful manmade reservoir, Guajataca Lake (2.5 mi/4 km long), where you can fish for bass, peacock bass and bluegill (spanish known as "Tilapia"). You can also go hiking or camping. The Boy Scouts of America maintain a campground on the lake. The name Guajataca comes from the name of a Taíno Indian chief who lived in this area. This Indian chief also gives his name to Guajataca Beach to the north where a river flowing from Guajataca Lake meets the Atlantic Ocean. Guajataca Beach is popular with surfers and is known for its white sands and wild waters. This beach is ideal for sunning and collecting seashells.

Economic

Business

Commerce

Landmarks and Places of Interest

• El Merendero
• Guajataca Lake
• Guajataca Tunel
• La Cabeza del Indio
• Liberty Theater
• Noah's Arc
• Puerto Hermina Ruins
  

Festivals and Events

• Three Kings Wake - January
• Kite Festival - February
• Guajataca Carnival - February
• Patron Celebrations - October

Notable Quebradillanos

• Guillermo Venegas LLoveras - Composer
• Luis Germán Cajigas
• Luis M. Hernández Saavedra
• Manuel Román
• Manuel Ramos Hernández
• Pedro Hernández
• Raymond Dalmau - Basketball Player
• Vicenta Deliz

Quebradillas, Puerto Rico. (2006, September 22). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 23:22, October 19, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Quebradillas%2C_Puerto_Rico&oldid=77208075