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Hatillo, large network of natural limestone caves and underground waterways PDF Print E-mail

Hatillo is a municipality located on Puerto Rico's north coast, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the north, Lares and Utuado to the south, Camuy to the west, and Arecibo to the east. According to the 2000 US Census Hatillo is spread over 9 wards and Hatillo Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city).

Tourism

Hatillo, along with Camuy and Lares are known for the Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camuy, a large network of natural limestone caves and underground waterways. Cueva Clara (main attraction of the park), Cueva de Empalme and a portion of the Tres Pueblos Sinkhole among other features are inside Bayaney, Hatillo. The cave system was first documented in the 1973 book Discovery At The Rio Camuy by Russell and Jeanne Gurnee. The park built around the cave system features tours of some of the caves, and is one of the most popular natural attractions in Puerto Rico. The caverns were created by the Río Camuy. Other attraction is the Sardinera beach.

 

Landmarks and places of interest

  • Antigua Central Bayaney
  • Casa De Playa Country Inn
  • Colonial Walk
  • Paseo del Carmen
  • Francisco Deida Méndez Stadium
  • Hacienda Santa Rosa Ruins
  • Hatillo Caverns
  • José Antonio Monrouzeau Theater
  • Grand Family Park Mar Azul Urbanization
  • Family Park Hatillo del Mar Urbanization
  • La Marina
  • Los Ilustres Park
  • Pagan Caverns
  • Parish
  • Plaza del Norte Mall
  • Robinson Schoolhouse
  • Sardinera Beach
  • Trapiche de Santa Rosa

 

Festivals and events

  • "Las Tradicionales" Hatillo Mask Festival
  • Truco (card game) - all year
  • Fiestas de la Cruz - May
  • San Juan Day - June
  • Matron Celebration - July; Its patron saint is Our lady of Mount Carmel. known as Virgen del Carmen. The patron saint festivities are held during the first 2 weeks of July and always includes the 16th of July in its weeks. The 16th of July is the Virgin of Carmel day, and it is celebrated with great pride and devotion still today. The day of the Virgin, La Patrona, is a very special day on our town with several all- day masses starting at 5 am with lots of penitents and favored-ones of the Patrona. Many people come every year for the High Mass at 3 pm. This mass includes the special procession and carriage of the venerated statue of the virgin through all the town center streets, and a special "trip" over to the near ocean shore by the local fishermen on their traditional boats known as "Yolas", because Our Lady Of Carmel is the Patron Saint of fishermen and it is a special devotion for our city.
  • Festival Típico del Cooperativismo - October
  • Festival de las Máscaras - 28 December (colorful mask festival)
  • Typical Festivities - December

There is a Tradition each year on the 28th of December which is known as the Máscaras (Masks) of Hatillo. This Tradition dates back to 1823, when the town of Hatillo was founded. This Tradition came with settlers from the Canary Islands. The meaning of this tradition is the Holy Innocents, or Santos Inocentes: the first martyrs of Christian faith from Matthew's story in which small children were killed by Herod in an unsuccessful attempt to kill Jesus. It is a very special day with lots of fun and a large meeting of Mascaras: masked men and women of all ages, who wear costumes according to tradition, typically covered from head to toe, and parade through their town and nearby towns all day, making jokes and having fun, followed by a large multiple, and celebrated procession through all the town and nearby town's neighborhoods, and ending at the Hatillo town center. It is a multi-dynamic and wonderful experience for everyone in Hatillo and nearby towns. This special tradition came from the Canary Islands, the main place from Spain where the Hatillo, Camuy, and nearby town's Spanish immigrants arrived, mainly in the 1800s. Many of the native people of Hatillo, Camuy, Arecibo, and several nearby towns are proud to call themselves "Isleños", or people descendant from the Canary Island's immigrants.

The transportation to the events was traditionally on horseback, with still a few still doing it today, however, in more modern events the Jeep (carefully decorated to match the riders colors and costumes) and the "Carroza" (a homemade long cart with a long crankshaft and wheel, equally decorated) are used. You can usually see groups of riders that can be a few dozen to groups of 100+ marching all around the town with their "carrozas" equipped with loud speakers, air horns, bright lights and typical music playing. They make frequent stops at homes and stores making pranks and asking for "offerings". Usually food, drinks or money. Usually around mid-day the groups of riders (Usually with names that start with "Los" [name] Ex. Los Conservadores MEANING The Conservatives) head themselves to the center of the town for a parade and an award ceremony for best outfit, best sound, best "carroza" and others.

 

 

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