Tag: taino
Utuado
Utuado was established on 12 October 1739. It was founded by Sebastian de Morfi and the name of the city was derived from Chief Otoao, whose name meant “Between Mountains”. The name is rather fitting since Utuado is situated in the Central Mountain Range of Puerto Rico near Ponce, Ciales, Arecibo and Lares. Between the late 1500’s and 1700’s not much of this city’s history was recorded, but ...
Loiza
Nowhere in Puerto Rico is there a more cultural and traditional destination than Loiza. It is a town that was neglected for many years, but as tourists began to discover the rich heritage and hypnotic atmosphere of Loiza, this destination in Puerto Rico began to enjoy a new lease on life. Although many residents of Loiza live in poverty, their untamed spirit for life and their appreciation ...
Maunabo
If you travel to the southeastern coast of Puerto Rico you may well find yourself enchanted by the small town of Maunabo. This delightful city was founded in 1799. Named for the Taino Indian named river ‘Maunatabon’, Maunabo is an absolutely delightful part of the island that every tourist should visit at least once.
Coamo
Founded on 15 July 1570, Coamo is one of the oldest settlements in Puerto Rico. By the year 1582, twenty families had established themselves in the city, which was then known as San Blas de Illescas, and it received its status as a town by 1616. Today the city is 200 square kilometers in size and its population is estimated to be have around 37 500 people. The Taíno Indians used to bathe in ...
Cayey
The city of Cayey was founded by Juan Mata Vazquez on 17 August 1773. The Taíno Indians had named the city “Cayey de Muesas”, which means "Place of Waters". Cayey was therefore derived from its original name. Two other locally known names for Cayey are "La Ciudad del Torito", meaning "Town of the Little Bull"; and "La Cuidad le las Brumas", which means "City of the Fog". This spectacular ...
Camuy
The city of Camuy has two nicknames, "La Ciudad del Sol Taino", which means the “City of the Taíno Sun”, or "La Ciudad Romantica" meaning “Romantic City”. It is said the city’s name was derived from the Taíno word for sun, which is Camuy. Others believe that it was named after the Camuy River. No matter how the name originated, one thing is for certain - it is a breathtaking city. The ...
Aguada
On the western side of the island of Puerto Rico lies a little village known as ‘Aguada’. The city was founded sometime between 1508 and 1510 by Cristobal de Sotomayor and as such, is often called ‘La Villa de Sotomayor’ (Sotomayor’s village) by the locals. Aguada is commonly thought to be one of the oldest towns on the island and there have been many unfounded claims that it was here that ...
History
The island of Puerto Rico was first discovered by the famed Christopher Columbus. He found it quite by accident while looking for land to rest on and get new supplies of fruit and water. The crew walked onto the island on 19 November 1493. Christopher Columbus named the island San Juan Bautista. No-one came back to island for many years, but fifteen years later Juan Ponce de Leon would bring ...
Vieques
In many ways, the city of Vieques is a place of beauty and rarity. Some would even call it enchanting. Blessed with near perfect weather the whole year around (except for August to October), Vieques is perfect place for any holiday maker. During the summer months the water takes on a most stunning turquoise color which invites you to view the amazing sea creatures and ...
Music
The music of Puerto Rico bears strong African and European influences but enjoys a distinct flavor that is pure Puerto Rican. Its popularity is widespread and it can be heard across the Caribbean and sometimes in various communities across the globe. Popular genres include ‘bomba’, ‘plena’ and ‘reggaeton’, though many different music genres exist.