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Ceiba, Puerto Rico

(sai-EE-bah)

Locals are known as "Los Sin Sopa" (without soup), because the town did not have a local meat market and people had to travel to long distances buy meat. While the city is known as "La Ciudad del Marlin" (the town of the Marlin).

Ceiba was founded on April 7, 1838 by Luis de la Cruz. Ceiba derives its name from a Indian word seyba, which is the name for a famous tree that grows in the island, the Ceiba Pentandra.

Ceiba is home of the Ceiba Forest which extends along the coastline between Ceiba and Fajardo, 95% of the forest is classified as mangrove. Various species of birds can be seen as well as turtles and manatees, (787) 724-3647.

Geography

Ceiba is located in the east coast of the island, bordering the Atlantic Ocean, north of Naguabo, south of Fajardo, and east of Río Grande.

Major rivers include Daguao, Fajardo and Demajaguas.

Ceiba is made up of 8 barrios (wards/districts):

  • Chupacallos
  • Daguao
  • Guayacán
  • Machos
  • Quebrada Seca
  • Pueblo
  • Río Abajo
  • Saco

Climate

The annual precipitation is approximately 4 inches and the average temperature is 78°F.

10 Day Forecast

Notable People

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

  • Felisa Rincón de Gautier, former San Juan mayor
  • Luis Vigoreaux, actor, radio and television show host

Restaurants

  • Panaderia Cookie (Puerto Rican), (787) 863-6945
  • Restaurant Nueva China (Chinese), (787) 885-3400

Accommodations

  • Casa Marshall (Guest House), (787) 885-4474
  • Ceiba Country Inn (Small Inn), (787) 885-0471
  • La Paloma Guest House (Guest House), (787) 885-4040
    (787) 435-1154
  • The View Condo (Apartment/Condo), 516-379-4238

Festivals and Events

  • Festival de Marlin - May/June
  • Fiesta Nacional de la Raza - October
  • Fiestas Patronales de San Antonio de Padua - June
    Every year, Ceiba celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 885-2180
  • Maraton de los Enamorados - February
  • Maraton del Pavo - November

Symbols

Flag

The flag derives its symbolism, design and colors from the municipal coat of arms. In particular, the cross refers to the name of Don Luis de la Cruz, who founded the town.

Code of Arms

Ceiba Coat of Arms

In field of gold, one ceiba tree, a mural crown, at the head a cross in gold with lily flowers of the same metal. The shield is flanked by two sugar cane stems, with their leaves crossed at the bottom. The ceiba tree symbolizes the name of the town and simultaneously represents the indigenous prehistory of Puerto Rico. The cross and the lily flowers represent the first and last name of Don Luis de la Cruz, founder of the town. The cross also symbolizes the Christian faith.

Anthem

The anthem of Ceiba was written by Carmen E. Perez. The title is Ceiba....

Education

There are 7 public schools in Ceiba, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education.

Demographics *

Population
11,307

Puerto Rico: 3,285,874

Land Area: 29.04 sq mi

Density: 386 per sq mi

Median Age: 44

Sex: 53% female

Economics **

Per capita income
$12,240
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Median household income: $19,092
Puerto Rico: $21,058

Persons below poverty line: 42.2%

Housing, families and educational attainment *

Number of households
4,261
Housing units density:
267 (2013)

Persons per household: 2.63

High school grad or higher: 74%

Marital status: 40% married

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

Map References

Coordinates: 18.2381° N, 65.6278° W

Zip Code: 00735, 00742

Driving Distance from San Juan: 33 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour, 1 minute




Did You Know?

To become the 51st state, Congress would have to pass a statute to admit Puerto Rico as a state.