Carolina, Puerto Rico

Land of Giants

Carolina (kah-ro-LEE-nah) is known as the “Land of Giants” and as the town of the “Tumba Brazos.” The first nickname refers to Felipe Birriel Fernández, nicknamed “The Giant of Carolina,” who measured seven feet eleven inches, making him one of the tallest men in the world in his time. The second nickname refers to the historical practice of resolving disputes through machete duels, a longstanding custom in the municipality.

Carolina is the fourth most populous city in Puerto Rico, with an estimated population of 138,375 according to the 2020 Census. Its patron saint is Saint Ferdinand of the Carolinas.

Located on the northeastern coast of the island, Carolina borders the Atlantic Ocean and the municipality of Loíza to the north; Gurabo and Juncos to the south; Trujillo Alto and San Juan to the west; and Canóvanas to the east. It belongs to the northern coastal plain region, characterized by low, swampy soils in the north, while the south features gentle elevations belonging to the El Asomante ridge.

Foundation:

Originally known as Trujillo Bajo, Carolina was officially founded on January 31, 1857, by Infantry Captain Lorenzo Vizcarrondo y Ortiz de Zárate under the administration of the Governor and Captain General of Puerto Rico, Don Fernando de Costoñer.

Before its establishment as an independent municipality, the barrios that would form Carolina belonged to the jurisdiction of Trujillo Alto. The geographic location of Trujillo Bajo, south of the Río Grande de Loíza, made communication and access to basic services difficult for residents of barrios north of the river, such as Hoyo Mulas, San Antón, Martín González, and Sabana Abajo. They suffered from frequent floods and had limited access to judicial, religious, and administrative services.

In 1851, community leaders in the northern area began efforts to relocate the town center to a more accessible area north of the river called “La Carolina.” These efforts culminated in the official foundation of the municipality in 1857, designated as San Fernando de la Carolina, in honor of King Charles II of Spain.

The name “Carolina” was chosen in honor of Carolina de San Juan, daughter of Don Gaspar Martínez, who donated the land for the municipality’s creation. This decision reflected the desire to pay tribute to his daughter and strengthen local identity.

The founding of Carolina allowed residents north of the river to access essential services and consolidate their identity as an independent community. Today, Carolina is recognized for its rich history, economic development, and cultural contributions to Puerto Rico.

Location:

Carolina is bordered on the north by the Atlantic Ocean and Loíza, on the south by Gurabo and Juncos, on the west by Trujillo Alto and San Juan, and on the east by the municipality of Canóvanas.

Area:

120.9 km² / 46.5 mi²

Population:

2020: 176,762 inhabitants (updated according to the 2020 Census)

Population Density:

1,462 per km² / 3,785 per mi²

People are known as:

Carolinenses

Carolina is also known as:

Tierra de Gigantes (Land of Giants)
Los Tumba Brazos (Arm Hackers)

Barrios (Neighborhoods): Carolina, Puerto Rico

Population and Barrios

In the 2000 Census, Carolina had 186,076 inhabitants distributed across thirteen barrios. By the 2020 Census, the population had decreased to 154,815, representing a decline of nearly 17% in twenty years. This decline reflects emigration trends, an aging population, and the impact of economic factors and natural disasters.

Census 2020: Population by Wards - Carolina	Habitants
Barrazas	3,642
Cacao	3,822
Cangrejo Arriba (Isla Verde)	15,600*
Canovanillas	10,894
Carolina Pueblo	1,398
Carruzos	2,481
Cedro	1,918
Hoyo Mulas	24,500*
Martín González	22,700*
Sabana Abajo	45,300*
San Antón	13,437
Santa Cruz	2,025
Trujillo Bajo	9,808
Total	154,815

*Approximate figures based on recent Census profiles (ACS 2016–2020 or newer).

Recent Trends

• Population decrease: Carolina lost more than 31,000 residents between 2000 and 2020 due to emigration, economic crises, and the impact of hurricanes such as Irma and María (2017).
• Uneven growth: Barrios like San Antón grew, while others such as Sabana Abajo and Hoyo Mulas saw significant declines.
• Aging population: The median age has increased, with fewer births and more young people migrating to the U.S.
• Resilient tourism: Despite population decline, Isla Verde has established itself as a major tourist hub.

Topography

The municipality is primarily flat, with moderate elevations in the south.

Hydrography:

Carolina is traversed by the Río Grande de Loíza, the Canovanillas River, and contains significant lagoons such as Pifiones, San José, and La Torrecilla.

Climate

• Average high: 87.1 ºF
• Average low: 67.8 ºF
• Average annual precipitation: 73.6 inches

Economy and Industries

Carolina’s economy evolved from sugarcane cultivation to significant industrial development. Today, the municipality hosts more than 100 factories producing pharmaceuticals, chemicals, medical equipment, electronics, and apparel. Tourism is also a key driver, especially in Isla Verde, supported by hotels, recreational activities, and the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport.

Flag

Carolina’s flag has three vertical stripes: white on the sides and red in the center. The white stripes are decorated with stylized black ermine tails, while the red stripe displays the sword and crown from the city’s coat of arms.

The flag reflects the municipality’s historical and cultural heritage, combining elements of nobility (ermine tails) with symbols of power and protection (sword and crown), evoking Saint Ferdinand and the patriotic tradition of Carolinenses.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms references Saint Ferdinand, the city’s patron, and the Vizcarrondo family, founders of Carolina. It includes a mural crown symbolizing unity, historical continuity, and municipal autonomy. The red color represents the first patriotic struggle for Puerto Rico’s freedom under Spanish rule.

Heraldic elements, such as ermine tails and the sword, represent the nobility, courage, and leadership of Carolina’s residents throughout history, as well as the municipality’s role in patriotic movements and cultural identity.

Culture and Traditions

Carolina is known for its rich cultural heritage and traditions. The municipality celebrates various festivities throughout the year, including the Patron Saint Festival honoring San Fernando. Its local cuisine offers a variety of traditional dishes reflecting Taíno, African, and Spanish influences.

Important Events

• Patron Saint Festival – around May 30, in honor of San Fernando
• Roberto Clemente Week – August
• Las Noches de Bohemia – second Thursday of each month
• Las Noches de Jazz – third Friday of each month
• Las Noches de Juventud – first Friday every two months
• Artisan Market – one Sunday per month

Places To Visit:

• Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport
• Isla de Verde Beach
• Carolina Beach - Balneario de Carolina
• Boca de Cangrejos (river mouth on the Atlantic)
• Piñones State Forest
• Casa Ecuté
• Cenotaph and Roberto Clemente Sports City
• Schools and Art Centers (Julio Vizcarrondo School of Fine Arts)
• Roberto Clemente Municipal Stadium
• Monuments to Julia de Burgos, Luis Muñoz Marín, Jesús T. Piñero, and Fernando Tercero Rey de Castilla y León
• Lagoons: La Torrecilla, Piñones, Los Corozos, San José
• Ruins of Hacienda Victoria and Ingenio Buena Vista
• Cerro San José Cave System
• University of Puerto Rico in Carolina
• Isla Verde Tourist Area

Notable Carolinenses

• Julia de Burgos – poet, author of the epic “Río Grande Loíza.” Her works include the books of verse Poemas exactos a mí misma, Poemas en veinte surcos and Canción de la verdad sencilla. She died in New York City in 1953.

• Roberto Clemente Walker – Major League baseball player and winner of numerous awards and recognitions. He died tragically in an airplane accident en route to Nicaragua to help earthquake victims on December 31, 1972. He was the first Latin American to be elected to the United States Baseball Hall of Fame.
• Ramón Mellado Parsons – educator and essayist. He was Secretary of Public Education, President of the Higher Education Council, and a delegate to the Constitutional Convention of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico (1951-1952). His writings include a book on education called La educación en Puerto Rico.
• Jesús T. Piñero – the first Puerto Rican governor, appointed by the President of the United States in 1946. He was a founder of the Popular Democratic Party, member of the House of Representative (1941-1944) and cesident Commissioner in Washington.
• Angel Rivero Méndez – military man, journalist, and entrepreneur. He participated in the Spanish-American War, and wrote about his experiences as a member of the Spanish Army in Crónica de la Guerra Hispanoamericana en Puerto Rico. During the 1920s he wrote a column in the newspapaer El Imparcial and later, in the newspaper El Mundo.
• Jesús María Sanromá – internationally renowned pianist. Sanromá studied in the United States, France, and Germany. We can still enjoy his numerous recordings.
• Julio Vizcarrondo - writer and abolicionist.
• Fortunato Vizcarrondo – musician and poet. Author of the poem ¿Y tú agüela a onde está?.
• Wilfredo Benítez - the youngest boxer winner of the World Boxing Title.
• Felibe Birriel - Know as el gigante de Carolina. He measured 7 feet and 11 inches in 1946.

Name	Level	Telephone	Address
Elementary
AGUSTÍN RODRÍGUEZ HERNÁNDEZ	K-6	(787) 750-1180	PO Box 2000, P.R. 00729-2000
CRUZ SALGUERO TORRES	K-6	(787) 769-3458	PO Box 2000 Suite 151, P.R. 00729-0000
JUANA RODRÍGUEZ MUNDO	K-6	(787) 750-8833	PO Box 2000 Suite 280, P.R. 00729-0000
PRISCO FUENTES	PK-6	(787) 750-4480	Suite 143, P.R. 00726-0000
DR. CLEMENTE FERNÁNDEZ	K-6	(787) 757-5790	PO Box 7460, P.R. 00986-0000
ESTIMULACIÓN TEMPRANA	EE	(787) 750-4060	PO Box 98, P.R. 00986-0098
JESUS MANUEL SUAREZ	K-6	(787) 750-2774	Valle Arriba Heights Sta., P.R. 00984-0000
JOSÉ SEVERO QUIÑONES	K-6	(787) 769-3280	PO Box 7819, P.R. 00986-7819
JUANA A MÉNDEZ	PK-6	(787) 768-3735	PO Box 7709, P.R. 00986-7709
LUIS MUÑOZ RIVERA	K-6	(787) 769-3260	PO Box 4878, P.R. 00986-4878
PEDRO J RODRÍGUEZ	K-6	(787) 750-0011	PO Box 1925, P.R. 00984-1925
ROBERTO CLEMENTE	K-6	(787) 752-0057	URB ROLLING HILLS #15, P.R. 00987-0000
SALVADOR BRAU	K-6	(787) 750-4044	PO Box 6011, P.R. 00984-6011
TRUJILLO ALTO CACAO CENTRO	K-6	(787) 750-6211	Suite 283, P.R. 00917-2510
Intermediate
FACUNDO BUESO	7-9	(787) 769-8350	PO Box 900, P.R. 00986-0900
INT NUEVO ENFOQUE ÁNGEL P MILLÁN	7-9	(787) 769-0386	KM 0 HM 9 BO CANOVANILLAS, P.R. 00987-0000
MARTÍN GONZÁLEZ	7-9	(787) 276-4922	URB METRÓPOLIS, P.R. 00987-0000
PETRA ROMÁN VIGO	7-9	(787) 769-3255	PO Box 4099, P.R. 00984-0000
SALVADOR BRAU (INTERMEDIA)	7-9	(787) 750-0305	PO Box 4099, P.R. 00985-0000
Secondary
JESÚS T PIÑERO	K-9	(787) 750-0260	PO Box 220, P.R. 00729-0000
SU CARLOS CONDE MARÍN	K-9	(787) 769-4645	PO Box 593, P.R. 00978-0000
High School
ÁNGEL P MILLÁN ROHENA	10-12	(787) 276-0120	PO Box 7759, P.R. 00986-7759
CARLOS F DANIELS (VOC. DE AREA)	10-12	(787) 762-7385	PO Box 7889, P.R. 00986-0000
LORENZO VIZCARRONDO	10-12	(787) 769-0870	PO Box 9180, P.R. 00988-9180

Name	Level	Telephone	Address
Elementary
AMALIA EXPÓSITO	K-6	(787) 762-1117	PO Box 3629, P.R. 00984-0000
DR. MODESTO RIVERA RIVERA	K-6	(787) 762-7505	PO Box 209, P.R. 00985-0000
DR. RAMÓN MELLADO PARSONS	K-6	(787) 752-4420	1 PO Box 3892, P.R. 00984-0000
FRANCISCO MATÍAS LUGO	K-6	(787) 757-0410	PO Box 3474, P.R. 00984-3474
INÉS MARIA MENDOZA	K-6	(787) 769-6644	PO Box 4009, P.R. 00983-0000
JARDINES DE COUNTRY CLUB	K-6	(787) 768-0258	PO Box 3699, P.R. 00981-0000
JESÚS MARIA SANROMA	PK-6	(787) 769-8451	PO Box 7738, P.R. 00986-7738
LUIS MUÑOZ MARÍN	K-6	(787) 769-8375	PO Box 3639, P.R. 00984-0000
MARIA TERESA SERRANO	K-6	(787) 752-2975	PO Box 3629, P.R. 00984-0000
PASCASIO P. SANCERRIT	K-6	(787) 769-4260	PO Box 1984, P.R. 00983-1984
PEDRO MOCZO BANIET	PK-6	(787) 769-2612	PO Box 3114 Valle Arriba Heights Sta., P.R. 00983-0000
Intermediate
AGUSTÍN CABRERA	7-9	(787) 768-4044	PO Box 3629, P.R. 00985-0000
EDUARDO J. SALDAÑA	7-9	(787) 769-3753	PO Box 3122, P.R. 00984-3122
JESÚS RIVERA BULTRON	7-9	(787) 752-3131	Tercera Sección Urb. VILLA, P.R. 00985-0000
MANUEL FEBRES GONZÁLEZ	7-9	(787) 768-3031	PO Box 3809, P.R. 00984-3809
RENE MARQUES	7-9	(787) 757-2760	PO Box 3335, P.R. 00984-3335
RVDO. FÉLIX CASTRO RODRÍGUEZ	7-9	(787) 750-1330	PO Box 3629 Valle Arriba Heights Sta., P.R. 00984-0000
Secondary
LOLA RODRÍGUEZ DE TIÓ	7-12	(787) 752-1410	PO Box 4921, P.R. 00983-0000
Secondary
JULIA DE BURGOS	K-9	(787) 791-0174	PO Box 3676, P.R. 00984-3376
High School
DR. JOSÉ M LÁZARO	10-12	(787) 769-3638	Valle Arriba Heights Sta., PR 00984-0000
GILBERTO CONCEPCIÓN DE GRACIA	10-12	(787) 768-2216	PO Box 3629, P.R. 00984-0000
LUZ AMÉRICA CALDERÓN	10-12	(787) 768-4044	PO Box 3467, P.R. 00984-3464

 

 

How to get to Carolina from San Juan.