Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico
Aguas Buenas is known as La Ciudad de las Aguas Claras (city of clear waters), because of the purity of its fresh water springs, the name literally translates to "good waters". Originally named Aguabuena, a sector of Caguas, later in 1798, became Aguas Claras as residents started establishing houses near the area. The town was founded in May 25, 1838 by Francisco de Salas Torres, who was declared the first city mayor.
Geography
Aguas Buenas territory is moderately mountainous, located in the Central Mountain Range, north of Cidra and Caguas; south of Bayamón, Guaynabo and San Juan; east of Comerío; and west of Caguas. Aguas Buenas' highest peaks are La Peña (552 m), Santa Bárbara (510 m), and Chícharo (490 m).
Several rivers flow through Aguas Buenas. Some of them are the Bayamón River, and several small rivers that are part of the Río Grande de Loíza, like Bairoa, Caguitas, and Cañas.
Aguas Buenas is made up of 10 barrios (wards/districts):
- Bairoa
- Bayamóncito
- Cagüitas
- Jagüeyes
- Juan Ascencio
- Mulas
- Mulitas
- Pueblo
- Sonadora
- Sumidero
Climate
Aguas Buenas annual precipitation is 66.5 inches, and its average temperature is 75°F. June is the warmest, February is the coldest, November is the wettest, and March is the driest month.
AGUAS BUENAS WEATHERNotable People
There are many well-known "aguasbonenses", among them:
- Jacobo Córdova Chirino, journalist
- Gustavo Muñiz Díaz, doctor
- Rafael Nicolau, journalist
- Luis Rechani Agrait, dramatist
- Pio Rechani, journalist
Restaurants
- El Panoramico, Restaurante (Puerto Rican), (787) 732-6634
- Sirimar (Puerto Rican), (787) 732-6012
Festivals and Events
- Aguas Buenas Carnival - March
- Festival Folklorico de Campo y Pueblo - January
- Fiestas Patronales Nuestra Senora de la Monserrate - September
Every year, Aguas Buenas celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 732-8621
Symbols
Flag
The flag of Aguas Buenas features a blue triangle with the base at the hoist. The triangle has a solitary white star, like the national banner. A second triangle appears interposed with the first one, in yellow, with its point reaching the other end of the flag. The main field of the flag, under both triangles, is color green.
Coat of Arms
The coat of arms features a four-paneled shield. The upper left panel shows the Virgin of Monserrate, while the upper right panel features a Taino, a symbol of the original inhabitants of this region. At the bottom right panel, lies a cornucopia containing the native fruit of Aguas Buenas. This panel represents how the agriculture was the primary source of income for the town. In the lower left panel, there are four maracas and a güicharo, typical instruments of the "jibaros" of Aguas Buenas and Puerto Rico. The crown, as with other municipalities of Puerto Rico, consists of three towers.
Anthem
The anthem was written by Ramon Cintron. The title is
Aguas Claras.
Education
There are 14 public schools in Aguas Buenas, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education.
Demographics *
Population
24,223
Land Area: 30.08 sq mi
Density: 840.9 per sq mi
Median Age: 42.6
Sex: 51% female
Economics **
$12,245
Median household income: $20,190
Puerto Rico: $21,058
Persons below poverty line: 44.8%
Housing, families and educational attainment *
Number of households
8,629
Housing units density:
382 (2013)
Persons per household: 2.91
High school grad or higher: 72.7%
Marital status: 39% married
* U.S. Census Bureau 2020 data, unless otherwise noted - Source: Quick Facts Puerto Rico.
** U.S. Census Bureau 2016-2020
Map References
Coordinates: 18.2569° N, 66.1031° W
Zip Code: 703
Driving Distance from San Juan: 21.3 miles
Driving Time: 43 minutes