| Vega Baja, Puerto Rico | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| — Municipality — | |||
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| Nickname(s): Ciudad del "Melao Melao" | |||
| Anthem: "Más dulce que la miel es tu recuerdo" | |||
| Location of Vega Baja in Puerto Rico | |||
| Coordinates: | |||
| Country | United States | ||
| Territory | Puerto Rico | ||
| Founded | October 3, 1776 | ||
| Government | |||
| • Mayor | Francisco Fernández (interim)[1] (PNP) | ||
| • Senatorial dist. | 3 - Arecibo | ||
| • Representative dist. | 12 | ||
| Area | |||
| • Total | 55.7 sq mi (144.28 km2) | ||
| • Land | 47.1 sq mi (122 km2) | ||
| • Water | 8.6 sq mi (22.28 km2) | ||
| Population (2010) | |||
| • Total | 59,662 | ||
| • Density | 1,071/sq mi (413.5/km2) | ||
| Demonym | Vegabajeños | ||
| Time zone | AST (UTC-4) | ||
| Zip code | 00693, 00694 | ||
Vega Baja (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈbeɣa ˈβaxa]) is a municipality in north central Puerto Rico located in the northern coast, north of Morovis; east of Manatí; and west of Vega Alta. Vega Baja is spread over 13 wards and Vega Baja Pueblo (The downtown area and the administrative center of the city). It is part of the San Juan-Caguas-Guaynabo Metropolitan Statistical Area.
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Vega Baja was founded on October 3, 1776 by Antonio Viera, with the name of "Vega-baxa del Naranjal de Nuestra Señora del Rosario".
"Cibuco", name of one of the rivers that carve its fertile lands, is a variation of the name "Sebuco", a chief or Cacique Taíno Indian of the region. These "cells" of Taíno indians were known to settle in the vicinity of the rivers. Even though the Cibuco river is prone to floods due to heavy seasonal rains even to this day, the benefits given to the land by the river are numerous. The rich diversity of ocean life and reefs is evidence of how the nutrients provided by the Cibuco river are so beneficial.
Taino carvings have been found on the exposed reefs in the vicinity of the Cibuco river. Amongh these carvings, one depicting a face and others shaped as fish. They are an indication that these reefs were frequented for spear fishing and perhaps other day to day activities.
Vega Baja's flag consists of a yellow cloth, crossed by a green band. The band relates to the fertile valley and the river..
The Vega Baja Coat of Arms has a v-shape green band, with overlapping roses in silver and three oranges tress, with fruits in gold. In the superior part a five tower crown, silverplated with black and green. The main colors of the shield; green and gold are used traditionally in civic, scholastic and sport activities. The crown five tower indicates that the town holds the rank of Villa by Royal Real Decree.
Is largely based on the agriculture in Vega Baja. Being a farming land.
Commercial Rug/Carpet Manufacture The most prestigious commercial rug and carpet factory of the "New World" — V'Soske, located in "Pugnado Afuera".
Melao Melao Marathon - October
Matron Celebrations - October
Christmas Festival - December
"Blue Marlin" Fishing Tournament
Vega Baja, like all municipalities in Puerto Rico, elect a mayor every four years to administer the city. With the mayor, a Municipal Assembly is also elected.[3] Luis Meléndez Cano was the Mayor of Vega Baja for more than 30 years (1973-2005). In 2005, he was replaced by Edgar Santana Rivera.[4] Santana was arrested and convicted in 2011 of 18 charges of bribery and replaced with interim mayor Francisco Fernández.[5]
The city also belongs to the Puerto Rico Senatorial district III, which is represented by two Senators. In 2008, José Emilio González and Angel Martínez were elected as District Senators.[6]