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Barceloneta, Puerto Rico

(barselo'neta)

Barceloneta is known as La Ciudad de las Piñas (pineapple city), because of its extensive pineapple plantations, which covers a large part of the town's land.

The town was founded in July 1, 1881 by Bonocio Llenza Feliu. Bonocio named the city Barceloneta because it brought back loving memories of his hometown Barcelona, back in Spain.

Barceloneta has the biggest pharmaceutical complex in the world (14 industries). It is known that these companies have chosen Barceloneta to establish their facilities for its underground water reservoirs. The water in Barceloneta is so pure that it requires very little treatment for use in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products.

Barceloneta is also famous for its black sand beaches, due to the high iron content found in the sand.

Points of Interest and Landmarks

The Biblioteca Electronica Sixto Escobar serves not only the needs of students and researchers but also houses houses objects and memorabilia of the famous boxer, Sixto Excobar, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1950. For inquiries and further information, call (787) 846-7056.

The Cambalache Forest Reserve is home to plantations of eucalyptus, teak, and mahoe trees, offering camping facilities in two designated areas. Visitors can access water and showers, explore 8 trails, and enjoy proximity to a nearby beach. The reserve is located on Rd #682 km 6.6. For futher information, call (787) 724-3724.

Located in the heart of the city, Centro Cultural de Barceloneta offers insights into the cultural and historical heritage of Barceloneta. Visitors can explore a collection of arqueological artifacts and Taino pieces. The center is open Mon-Fri 8:30am-4pm, and for further information, call (787) 846-4199.

Barceloneta is also home to the Prime Outlets, conveniently located on De Diego Expressway Route 227, Barceloneta Exit 55. The outlets are open Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 9pm. For inquiries, call (787) 846-5300.

Other places worth exploring include:

  • Rafael Balseiro Maseira School, built in 1921
  • Christian and Missionary Alliance Church, built in 1908
  • Jose Ignacio Machado Sports Field
  • Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish Church
  • La Monserrate Refinery Ruins
  • Las Criollas Beach
  • Palmas Altas Beach
  • Centro Cultural Sixto Escobar

Geography

Barceloneta is located in the north region, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, north of Florida, east of Arecibo, and west of Manatí.

The Grande de Manatí River tavels across the town, the river is 73 km (45 mi) in length.

Barceloneta is made up of 4 barrios (wards/districts):

  • Garrochales
  • Florida Afuera
  • Pueblo
  • Palmas Altas

Climate

The annual precipitation is approximately 53.01 inches, and its average temperature is 77.8°F. June is the warmest, February is the coolest, and the westest month is November. The highest recorded temperature was 99°F in 1969. The lowest recorded temperature was 50°F in 1965.

BARCELONETA WEATHER

10 Day Forecast

Notable People

There are many well-known "barcelonetences", among them:

  • Sixto Escobar, the first Puerto Rican to win a boxing championship of the National Boxing Association
  • Jose Agustin Balseiro, writer
  • Benito de Jesus Negron, composer
  • Blanca MAria Marchand, poet

Restaurants

  • CKcafe (American), (787) 846-0404
  • Villamar (Puerto Rican), (787) 846-4480

Festivals and Events

  • Festival de Bomba y Plena - October
  • Festival de Musica Tipica - June
  • Festival de Verano - June
  • Fiestas Patronales de la Virgen del Carmen - July
    Every year, Barceloneta celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 846-2030 or (787) 846-3835

Symbols

Flag

The flag is a rectangular adaptation of the former Coat of Arms, as are its colors, with the variation of omitting the flowers of "guajana" (sugar cane flower) and that the blazon's gold and silver are substituted by yellow and white, respectively. The flag contains elements of St George's Cross to honor the patron saint of Catalonia, Saint George and the stripes of the Catalonian national flag, the Senyera, since the town was founded by a Catalan immigrant.

Coat of Arms

Barceloneta Coat of Arms

The sugar cane flowers (guajanas) symbolize the source of life of the old agricultural economy of Barceloneta. The blue symbolizes the beaches and marine ports of great importance for industry and commerce. The crown consists of three towers.

The anthem of Berceloneta was written by Luis Felipe Roman Ram. The title is Querido Barceloneta.

Education

There are 8 public schools in Barceloneta, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education.

Demographics *

Population
22,657

Puerto Rico: 3,285,874

Land Area: 18.69 sq mi

Density: 1,279.10 per sq mi

Median Age: 41.1

Sex: 53% female

Economics **

Per capita income
$10,314
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Median household income: $17,815
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Persons below poverty line: 46.4%

Housing, families and educational attainment *

Number of households
8,152
Housing units density:
572.1 (2013)

Persons per household: 2.93

High school grad or higher: 73.6%

Marital status: 36% married

* U.S. Census Bureau 2020 data, unless otherwise noted - Source: Quick Facts Puerto Rico.
** U.S. Census Bureau 2016-2020

Map References

Coordinates: 18.4506° N, 66.5386° W

Zip Code: 617

Driving Distance from San Juan: 42 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour, 7 minutes




Did You Know?

Since 2014, the island has lost 2% of population each year.