Vega Alta (VAI-gah AHL-tah) is a municipality of Puerto Rico. Vega Alta is located in the northern coast of the island, north of Morovis and Corozal; east of Vega Baja; and west of Dorado with an area of 28 square miles. Vega Alta is spread over 7 wards and Vega Alta Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city).
Vega Alta is west of San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. It is the home of the Hyatt Regency Cerromar, although many people in Puerto Rico refer to it as aprt of the neighbor city of Dorado. Vega Alta is the home town of New York Yankees All Star Bernie Williams. Vega Alta is also known for its beautiful beach of Cerro Gordo, one of the most visited beaches in Puerto Rico. Another point of interest is the town's Catholic church, known as Inmaculada Concepcion. The church was founded in 1813. For naturalists and hikers, the Vega Alta Forest offers plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs. In fact, the Vega Alta Forest is the first forest reserve you will encounter as you travel west from San Juan.
During the first week of December, Vega Alta celebrates its patron, The Immaculate Conception.
History
Founding
Vega Alta was founded in 1775 by Francisco de los Olivos it was first named La Vega de Espinoza and known as el pueblo de los Nagotaos (town of squaters). Prior to this it was part of a group of towns known as "Las Vegas". It was then that one area was named Vega Baja and the other Vega Alta.
On October 12, 1878 the city's mayor Francisco Vega, received U.S. troops as part of the Spanish-American War. On that very same day, for the first time in Vega Alta's history, the U.S. flag was lifted on city hall. From 1902 to 1905, Vega Alta became once more part of the neighbor city of Vega Baja. In 1905, the government of Puerto Rico passed a law, allowing Vega Alta to become a municipality with its own limits.
Land Area: 71.87 km² (27.75 sq mi) Water Area: 25.28 km² (9.76 sq mi) Population: 37,910 as of 2000 U.S. Census Density: 527.5 per km² (1,366.1 per sq mi) Housing Units: 13,526 Housing Density: 188.2 per km² Per Capita Income: $7,356.
Flag
It is divided vertically in seven (7) stripes in the order, colors and proportions as described: the first (the immediate one to the mast) white (5 modules); second: green (5 modules); third: white (9 modules); sixth: green, (5 modules); and seventh: white (5 modules).
Coat of Arms
It consists of three bars, the center one formed by a silver amphora from which a branch of lilies excels; it symbolizes the Inmaculada Concepción de María. The crown, indicates category of town, because it has three towers. In the shield we see two sugar cane stems, because this was product cultivated in that region.
Demographics
Barrios (Districts/Wards)
- Bajura
- Candelaria
- Cienagueta
- Espinosa
- Maricao
- Mavilla
- Sabana
Geo/Topography
Rivers; Cibuco, Mavilla and Unibón.
Economic
Agriculture
Banana, fruits, grains and sugar cane.
Flowers and ornamental plants.
Dairy and meat cattle, pigs and poultry.
Industrial
Maufacture of chemicals, electrical and electronic machinery, furniture, food, and plastics.
Landmarks and Places of Interest
- Cerro Gordo Beach
- Vega Alta Forest
Festivals and Events
- Three Kings Fiestas - January
- Sung Rosary - February
- Vegalteño Carnival - February
- Kite Festival - July
- Virgen del Carmen Walk - July
- Rooster Festival - October
- Matron Festivities - December
Notable Vegalteños
- Albert J. LaForte Resto (AnasaZi)
- Bernie Williams
- Gilberto Concepción de Gracia - Lawyer and politician
- Gilberto Ramirez - Family Corte Judge of New York
- Jorge Seijo
- Juan Marin
- Ladislao "El Maestro Ladí" Martínez Otero - Musician and composer
Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. (2006, October 6). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved 16:34, October 24, 2006, from http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Vega_Alta%2C_Puerto_Rico&oldid=79905473
