Lares
(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".
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
Things to See and Do In Lares
Want to know what to see and do in Lares? Discover few ideas for exploring and enjoying the city.
What to Do and See?
Where to Eat?
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
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
Demographics *
30,753
Population
28,947 (July 2013 est.)
Land Area: 61.45 sq mi
Density: 500.5 per sq mi
Median Age: 37.2
Economics *
Per capita income (2013)
Puerto Rico: $11,068
Median household income: $11,851
Puerto Rico: $19,624
Persons below poverty line: 62.30 %
Housing, families and educational attainment *
11,154
Number of households
Housing units density: 210.8
Persons per household: 3.18
High school grad or higher: 58.3%
* U.S. Census Bureau 2010 data unless otherwise noted.
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