AIBONITO!

Irmaliz QuiñonesFarah MendezKianelys CedeñoZeisha Rosa

Location Aibonito is territory is mountainous, located in the

Mountain Range of Cayey, north of Salinas; south of Barranquitas and Comerio; east of Coamo; and west of Cidra and Cayey.

Geography Aibonito reaches one of the highest

elevation point in the island. The town's highest peaks are Verdún (760 m), Piedra Degetau (730 m), El Indio (620 m), and Amoldadero (530 m). Many rivers cross the town including Aibonito, La Plata, Usabón, and Cuyón.

History Aibonito is known as City of the flowers. The town was founded in March 13,

1824 by Manuel Vélez. Aibonito derives its name from a name

given by the Indians, "Jatibonucu" which literally means "Great People of the Sacred High Waters".

The tribe or yucayeque living in the area was known as Jatibonicu and it was lead by Cacique Orocobix (Indian chief).

In fact, the Jatibonicu region covered the same area as the current towns of Aibonito, Orocovis, Barranquitas, Morovis and Corozal.

A legend also claims that one day a Spaniard wake up over the Asomante mountain and overwhelm by the beauty of the place he exclaim "Ay, que bonito" (Oh, how beautiful!).

Blue for the sky, white for air purity, red for love of the own motherland, and gold (yellow) for the traditional Hispanic values.

The shield is divided in four corners or quarters. The superior left corner represents the last battles of the Hispano-American War took place. In the right corner, a white band symbolizing the fog that covers the Aiboniteños valleys in winter; on a blue field, a purple color flower typical of the region; and in the inferior end a golden lily to remember San José, patron of the town. The bottom left corner on a blue background is placed the gold tower that symbolize the spiritual value. In the right corner a divided mountain of green color which represents the San Cristóbal Canon.

General Information The first Catholic church was built in 1825. The

building was later replaced by the current church, which was started in 1887 and completed in 1897.

The Flowers Festival is celebrated every year from the last weekend of June up to the first weekend of July. It's considered the most important flower event on the island, the festivities include flower shows, handcrafts displays, kid rides, music and food.

Aibonito's main industry is chicken, followed by flowers, some tobacco, coffee and cattle.

Land Marks and Places of Interest San Cristóbal Canon Manresa House Degetau Stone La Trinchera de Asomante

Festival and Events Aibonito Flower Festival - June/July

Fiestas Patronales de Santiago Apóstol - July/August

Chicken Festival- August

Turkey Marathon– November

Montana Festival- November

Hotels and Restaurants La Posada El Coqui Casa Aurora

El Rincon Familiar

La Piedra

Tio Pepe Restaurant

SportsAibonito had a BSN basketball franchise called the Polluelos de Aibonito. In 1986 they beat the defending champions, Atleticos de San German, in seven games to win their only championship. In 1987, the Polluelos reached the finals once again, but that time, they lost in seven games to the Titanes de Morovis. Recently, the Polluelos have not been able to see action on the BSN's tournaments because of economic and team ownership problems.

Important Personalities Rubén Berrios Martínez, politician Rafael Pont Flores, journalist Juan Martínez Capó, writer Manuel Alvarez Nazario, writer

Images