Certamen Cultural Mundial /Efra
Central August-2005, By:Travel and Sports Staff
Experience the Central Beauty
Aguas Buenas, Cidra, Lares, Naranjito
If you’re looking for a cooling break from the beach, you can take a day trip into the mountains for a mix of the culture and environment unique to this area. The 20 municipalities in the Central region can be thought of as being along two driving routes (with San Juan as the starting point). The Southern route begins in Caguas and travels through Aguas Buenas, Gurabo, San Lorenzo, Cidra, Cayey, Aibonito, Comerío, Barranquitas, Orocovis, and Villalba before ending in Adjuntas. The Northern route goes from Naranjito to Corozal, Morovis, Ciales, Florida, Lares, Utuado and Jayuya. The Southern route covers a good bit of the Luis Muñoz Marín Panoramic Route.
Aguas Buenas
 In the 18th century a settlement called "Aguas Claras" (clear waters) was established in the present location of Aguas Buenas. The name was changed to Aguas Buenas (good waters) in 1834 when it became a municipality. Covering 30 square miles and situated in the Sierra de Cayey (a small mountain chain), Aguas Buenas started as an agricultural center. In the 18th century, sugarcane, plantains, cotton and fruits formed the economic base. Today, you may want to investigate the handcrafted musical instruments available locally from skilled artisans. The Plaza de Recreo (originally used for military exercises and once known as the Plaza de Armas) has been renamed after an important historical figure, Luis A. Ferré. Located in front of the plaza is the Iglesia Los Tres Santos Reyes. (Photo: Artisan /Toledo.)
Cidra
 This "Ciudad de la Eterna Primavera" (city of eternal spring) is located in the eastern area of the Cordillera Central. Its name comes from the citron fruit. Even today you will find groves of these citrus fruit trees that help form a basis for the local economy. At one end of the plaza is the beautiful Iglesia Nuestra Señora del Carmen with its symmetrical and classic twin tower design. Just outside of town is the Lago de Cidra. This is a long, relatively narrow lake that runs north of Cidra along Rt 172 on the way to Caguas. There is also a thriving community of artisans. As you can see, there is a pattern here: many talented, accomplished and distinguished Puerto Ricans call the central mountain area their home. (Photo: Festival de la Paloma Sabanera/Efra.)
Lares
 In 1868, during the Spanish regime, a group of Puerto Ricans with help from people of other islands fought against the injustice of the Spanish government. They won the town of Lares, but when they moved to San Sebastián, the Spanish soldiers were waiting for them. That is why in Lares you will find monuments and places commemorating "El Grito de Lares." In the Plaza de la Revolución stand Iglesia San José and the Ramón Emeterio Betances Monument. For a special local treat go to the "La Heladería de Lares" where you can sample one of the unique local ice cream flavors such as rice, beans and avocado. "El Poblado Castañer," a beautiful area between Lares and Adjuntas, is another nearby area worth a visit. (Photo: Certamen Cultural Mundial/Efra.)
Naranjito
 This town is located in the area of "Las Colinas del Norte," (the north hills) in the central east of the Island. Naranjito is known as "the changos town" because of the abundance of these black birds in the area. Also, this town is well known for its famous volleyball team "Los Changos de Naranjito." Naranjito shares the Lago La Plata, a beautiful lake, with the towns of Bayamón and Toa Alta. The nearby "Las Lágrimas" recreational area is a beautiful place to admire Naranjito's natural setting. The town plaza features the Iglesia San Miguel Arcángel. In front of this church is a beautiful sculpture of the Archangel Gabriel (the patron saint of Naranjito), by Roberto Cintrón. This renowned local artist also created the “Monumento al Jíbaro” (a monument to the native Puerto Rican) at the entrance to town. (Photo: Plaza de Recreo/Dean.)
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2005-08 Aguas Buenas, Cidra, Lares, Naranjito
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