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Lares, Puerto Rico

(LAH-res)

Lares is known as "El Pueblo del Grito" (the city of the revolt). Lares was founded in April 26, 1827 by Francisco de Sotomayor and Pedro Vélez Borrero. The city was named after one of its settlers, Don Amador de Lariz.

On September 23, 1868, Lares was the scene of the events that gave birth to a social revolution against Spain for Puerto Rican independence, known as "El Grito de Lares".


Cueva Humo (Photo: Eduardo Camacho)

The surrounding areas produces coffee, oranges, bananas, and avocados.

Lares is located north of Camuy; north of Maricao and Yauco; south of Camuy, east of San Sebastián and Las Marias; and west of Hatillo, Utuado and Adjuntas.

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

  • Francisco Matos Paoli
  • Luis Hernandez Aquino
  • Justo A. Mendez
  • Antonio Coll Vidal
  • Obdulio Bauza
  • José Feliciano
  • former Miss Universe 2000 Denise Quiñones
  • Clemente Soto

Lares is made up of 11 barrios (wards/districts):

  • Bartolo
  • Buenos Aires
  • Callejones
  • Espino
  • Lares
  • La Torre
  • Mirasol
  • Pezuela
  • Piletas
  • Pueblo
  • Río Prieto

Restaurants

  • Aming China Restaurant (Chinese), (787) 897-2612
  • El Pollito Chicken Express (Puerto Rican), (787) 897-3843
  • Heladeria de Lares (Dessert/Ice Cream), (787) 897-3290

Festivals and Events

  • Festival de la Almojabana - October
    (787) 897-3290
  • Festival de la Hacienda Rabano - October
    (787) 897-3290
  • Festival de Lares - September
    (787) 897-3290
  • Festival del Guineo - June
    (787) 897-3290
  • Fiestas Patronales de San Jose - March
    Every year, Lares celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 897-2300

Symbols

Lares Flag Lares Coat of Arms

Anthem: En las verdes montañas de Lares...

Education

There are 20 public schools in Lares, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education.

Climate

10 Day Forecast

Demographics *

Population
28,105

Puerto Rico: 3,285,874

Land Area: 61.45 sq mi

Density: 405.9 per sq mi

Median Age: 43.9

Sex: 51% female

Economics **

Per capita income
$8,716
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Median household income: $16,841
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Persons below poverty line: 57.8%

Housing, families and educational attainment *

Number of households
10,119
Housing units density:
210.8 (2013)

Persons per household: 2.44

High school grad or higher: 65.7%

Marital status: 49% married

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

Map References

Coordinates: 18.2950° N, 66.8786° W

Zip Code: 00631, 00669

Driving Distance from San Juan: 63.66 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour, 7 minutes




Did You Know?

On July 25, 1996 the U.S. government recognized Puerto Rican citizenship.