Mayagüez, Puerto Rico

Sultan of the West

Mayagüez (mah-yah-GWES) known as “the Sultan of the West,” is a city where history, culture, and modernity intertwine. Its famous nickname comes from the legend of a woman with Arab features whose beauty captivated everyone who met her. Additionally, the city is recognized as “the City of Pure Waters,” “the Cradle of Eugenio María de Hostos,” “the City of Brazo Gitano,” “the City of the Indians,” and “the Town of the Mango.” Its patron saint, Our Lady of Candelaria, is celebrated with fervor through festivals that reflect the devotion and community spirit of Mayagüez’s residents.

Located on the western coast of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez borders Añasco and Las Marías to the north, Cabo Rojo, Hormigueros, and San Germán to the south, Maricao and Las Marías to the east, and the Mona Channel to the west. Its territory, mostly flat and fertile, benefits from abundant rainfall between May and November, which has historically supported agricultural development and economic prosperity.

The city stands out as an important educational and cultural center, home to the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez, known for its engineering and science programs, as well as the Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo, a space that attracts families and visitors from across the island. Additionally, Mayagüez is part of the “Porta del Sol” tourism plan, which promotes the natural resources, gastronomy, art, and culture of western Puerto Rico, solidifying its role as a regional development hub.

Mayagüez’s economic and cultural identity is also reflected in its distinctive local products, such as Franco’s famous “brazo gitano,” Cedó flans, and Fido’s “sangría.” Its port area continues to expand, strengthening trade and tourism while the city combines tradition with innovation.

According to the 2020 Census, the municipality has 73,077 inhabitants, while the metropolitan area of Mayagüez is home to approximately 207,877 people, consolidating the city as a key urban, economic, and cultural hub in western Puerto Rico. Today, Mayagüez presents itself as a vibrant city where history and modernity coexist, and culture is evident in every corner—from its architecture to its festivals and culinary traditions.

Foundation and Historical Evolution

Mayagüez was founded in 1760 by Faustino Martínez de Matos, Juan de Silva, and Juan de Aponte, established as “The Town of Our Lady of Candelaria.” The Taínos, governed by the chief Urayoán, inhabited the land and called the region Yagüez, which in their language meant “place of pure and clear waters.” With the arrival of the Spanish, the name evolved from Mayagüey to Mayagüex and finally to Mayagüez, although the city still retains the nickname “City of Pure Waters” due to the Yagüez River. The legend of the “Sultan of the West”—a woman with Arab features whose beauty captivated all—remained alive through centuries as part of local folklore.

By 1772, the population had 50 houses, 419 families, and approximately 1,800 inhabitants. The economy relied almost exclusively on agriculture, and the town developed in two centers: the town on the “high” lands and the beach. The port became a key export point for nearby towns like San Germán, Cabo Rojo, and Añasco.

In 1836, Mayagüez was granted the title of Villa, giving it the right to have a town council and four towers on its coat of arms. However, in 1841 the city suffered its first major catastrophe, the Great Fire, which destroyed more than 90% of the houses and required the reconstruction of essential institutional buildings such as the Customs House, Town Hall, Infantry Barracks, Public Jail, and Military Hospital.

The advancement of communications and transportation marked the second half of the 19th century. In 1870, telegraph service between Mayagüez and San Juan was inaugurated, and in 1875 the Urban Railway of the Villa of Mayagüez began operating, a horse-drawn car that connected the town with the beach via Calle Méndez Vigo. Technical problems and the difficulty of its route led to its closure in 1886.

In 1895, the Mayagüez Tramway Corporation implemented a second tram system, extending to the Guanajibo neighborhood in 1897. This system operated until 1912, when it ceased operations. In December 1913, the third electric tram system, the Mayagüez Tramway Company, opened, offering greater capacity and running from the beach to the Balboa neighborhood along Calle Méndez Vigo.

On October 11, 1918, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake, accompanied by a tsunami of up to six meters, shook the city, causing severe damage to western Puerto Rico. During the 1920s, the city focused on reconstruction and development. However, with the arrival of automobiles and the expansion of motorized transport, the urban railway permanently ceased operations in 1926, marking the end of a historic era of transportation in Mayagüez.

Today, Mayagüez combines its rich historical heritage with modernity and development, establishing itself as a key educational, cultural, and economic center in western Puerto Rico while preserving traditions that reflect its unique identity and resilient spirit.

Location

Mayagüez is located in the west coast. It is bordered by: Añasco and Las Marías on the north; by Red Cabo, Hormigueros and San Germán on the south; the Mona Passage on the west; and Las Marías and Maricao on the east.

Area:

201.06 km² (77.6 square miles)

Population:

73,077 (2020 Census)

Population Density:

1,059 inhabitants per km²

Gentilicio:

Mayagüezanos

People are known as:

La Sultana del Oeste (The Sultan of the West)
La Ciudad de las Aguas Puras (The City of Pure Waters)
El Pueblo del Mango (The Town of the Mango)

Current Development and Growth

Economy and Development

Mayagüez continues to balance traditional industries with emerging sectors. Manufacturing, food, and beverages remain pillars, while technology, renewable energy, and innovative entrepreneurship grow as engines of development. The port area continues to expand, boosting regional trade and tourism.

Education and Science

The University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez remains prominent in engineering, science, and sustainability. Its programs promote applied research, international collaboration, and entrepreneurship, establishing the city as an educational reference in western Puerto Rico.

Culture and Tourism

Emblematic festivals such as the Mayagüez Carnival, patron saint celebrations, and the Dance Festival have regained their in-person strength, complemented with digital innovations. Cultural and ecological tourism has become a strategic sector, attracting national and international visitors.

Infrastructure and Mobility

The modernization of roads, revitalization of the Malecón, and implementation of sustainable transport initiatives reflect a focus on efficient urban mobility and resilient development.

Population and Society

Mayagüez’s population remains stable. The city faces challenges such as migration and an aging population, but has a young sector highly engaged in education, research, and culture, strengthening its human capital.

Innovation and Environment

Mayagüez promotes sustainability projects including waste management, solar energy, and the conservation of rivers and wetlands. These initiatives protect local ecosystems and foster responsible, environmentally conscious urban development.

Wards: Mayaguez, Puerto Rico

Mayagüez is composed of 25 barrios, including:

Census 2020: Population by Wards - Mayagüez	Population
Algarrobos	4,792
Bateyes	968
Guanajibo	7,165
Isla de Mona e Islote Monito	0
Juan Alonso	1,371
Leguísamo	2,080
Limón	1,622
Malezas	964
Mayagüez Town	32,043
Mayagüez Arriba	6,098
Miradero	5,510
Montoso	1,118
Naranjales	1,197
Quebrada Grande	6,333
Quemado	3,017
Río Cañas Abajo	2,318
Río Cañas Arriba	1,495
Río Hondo	3,865
Rosario	1,289
Sábalos	10,271
Sabanetas	4,161
Total	73,077

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2020 Census

It is important to note that the municipality’s total population has decreased compared to the 2000 Census, when it was 98,434. This decline reflects a broader trend in Puerto Rico, where many areas have experienced population reductions due to various socioeconomic factors.

Topography

Mayagüez is part of the Western Coastal Valleys region. Its terrain is mostly flat, which supports agriculture and urban development. The higher areas are in the northeast and east, where the Urayoán Mountains, part of the central mountain range, rise. These mountains influence the microclimate and local hydrography.

The municipality also features beaches and coastal zones near the Malecón and the Yagüez River mouth, making Mayagüez strategic for fishing and recreational activities.

Hydrography

Several important rivers cross the municipality, fertilizing the land and supplying water to the population:

• Río Grande de Añasco: One of the longest rivers in western Puerto Rico, vital for agriculture and the local ecosystem.
• Río Guanajibo: Flows northwest and has been historically essential for port development.
• Río Yagüez: Historically significant; its clear waters gave the city its name.

Smaller streams and bodies of water form part of wetlands and coastal ecosystems essential for local biodiversity.

Climate

Mayagüez has a tropical humid climate typical of western Puerto Rico.

• Average annual precipitation: ~80 inches, mainly from May to November during hurricane season.
• Average temperature: 78 °F, with lows of 68 °F and highs of 88 °F.
• Weather hazards: The city can be affected by hurricanes and flooding due to its coastal location and rivers.

The climate supports tropical agriculture, including mangoes, sugarcane, and coffee in the mountainous areas.

Predominant Industries

• Manufacturing: Especially textiles and industrial products.
• Food: Production of flans, traditional sweets, and bakery products, including the renowned Franco Brazo Gitano bakery.
• Beverages: Cervecería India is a cornerstone of the local industry.
• Services: Education, healthcare, and tourism, with the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez and the Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo as key sites.

Average Income

The median weekly income for workers in Mayagüez is approximately $450–$500, reflecting the economic evolution and impact of sectors such as manufacturing and services.

Flag

The flag of Mayagüez combines historical and geographical elements that reflect the city’s identity and heritage. The broad cross represents Christianity brought to the New World by Christopher Columbus, who often signed his documents with the phrase and symbol Cristo Ferens, meaning “He who carries Christ.” This historical reference highlights Mayagüez’s connection to the early European explorers and their influence on local culture.

The blue and white waves symbolize the Atlantic Ocean, the Mona Channel, and the Yagüez River, recalling the city’s nickname as the “City of Pure Waters.” These elements not only emphasize the region’s riverine and maritime wealth but also reflect the importance of water in the city’s economic and social development.

Additionally, the flag evokes the third quarter of the coat of arms granted to Columbus by the Catholic Monarchs, harmoniously integrating historical heritage with local geography. Together, the flag of Mayagüez represents the pride of its people, their cultural identity, and the close connection between history, nature, and community that continues to define the city today.

Coat of Arms

The Colombino Coat of Arms commemorates the discovery of Borinquén (today Puerto Rico) by Christopher Columbus during his second voyage to the New World in 1493. In the coat of arms, the lower point represents the mouth of the Yagüez River, from which the name Mayagüez is derived, highlighting the importance of this river in the history and development of the city.

The elements of the coat of arms symbolize Columbus’s arrival on the western coast of the island and the interaction between European culture and Puerto Rico’s natural wealth. The colors and figures reflect the fertility of the land, the abundance of its river and agricultural resources, and the spirit of exploration that marked the beginning of the region’s modern history.

Beyond its historical significance, the coat of arms also represents the identity and pride of the people of Mayagüez, reflecting their cultural heritage, their connection to nature, and the strategic importance of the city as a port and economic center from colonial times to the present.

Events:

• Three Kings Day Festival – January
• Patron Saint’s Festival – January/February
• Romance on the Boulevard – February
• Bomba and plena festival – February/March
• Mothers’ day concert – May
• Fathers’ day concert – June
• Mayagüez Carnival – May
• Danza Festival – May
• Celebration of the founding of Mayagüez – September
• Crafts fair – November
• Christmas festivities – December
• Anniversary of the Puerto Rican flag – December
• Band concert at the Patriots’ Park – second Sunday of the month
• Pedestrian Mayagüez at Columbus Square – third Sunday of the month

These events strengthen cultural identity and attract locals and tourists alike.

Places of Interest

• Plaza de Colón and Eudaldo Báez García Boulevard
• Old Casino and Customs House
• Mayagüez Cultural Center: Public Library, Cultural Theater, and Tourism Office
• Cathedral of Our Lady of Candelaria
• Cervecería India and Agricultural Experimental Station
• Malecón and Linear Promenade
• University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez
• Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo
• Planetarium, Casa Grande Historical Museum, Eugenio María de Hostos Museum
• Monument to Eugenio María de Hostos
• Mayagüez Recreation and Sports Palace
• Parque de Próceres Puertorriqueños and Rosa M. Carrero Millennium Children’s Park

Historical:

• Eugenio María de Hostos (1839–1903): Educator, philosopher, writer, and patriot advocating social justice, universal education, women’s rights, and Puerto Rican independence.
• Federico Asenjo Arteaga (1870–1930): Journalist and writer documenting Puerto Rican culture.
• Alejandrina Benítez de Gautier (1819–1879): Poetess and mother of José Gautier Benítez.
• Pedro Gerónimo Goyco (1825–1886): Physician, educator, politician, and social reformer.
• Simón Madera (1850–1910): Musician and composer.
• Rafael Martínez Nadal (1877–1941): Politician, orator, and writer.
• Roberto Sánchez Vilella (1913–1997): Governor of Puerto Rico, promoted modernization and urban development.
• José María Monge (1870–1930): Journalist and poet.
• Salvador Perea (1903–1985): Historian, author of History of Puerto Rico: 1537–1700.
• Juan Ríus Rivera (1848–1924): Cuban Liberation Army general.
• Josefina Rivera de Álvarez (1881–1961): Educator and author.
• Salvador Tió (1911–1989): Journalist and cultural advocate.

Contemporary:

• Anaida Hernández (b. 1954): Artist, sculptor, painter, and professor addressing gender violence in Caribbean and Latin American art.
• Emmanuel Rivera: Professional baseball infielder, represented Mayagüez in the 2025 Caribbean Series.
• Wilkins Vélez (Wilkins) (b. 1953): Pop singer and composer.
• J.J. Barea: Former NBA basketball player, primarily with the Dallas Mavericks.
• María Celeste Arrarás: Television journalist and host.
• Gricel Mammery: Television presenter and comedian.

These figures illustrate the talent and influence of Mayagüez residents across diverse fields, continuing to inspire future generations.

Public Schools sorted by educational levels.

Mayagüez Region
Mayagüez District

Name	Level	Telephone	Address
Elementary
CASTILLO	K-6	(787) 265-8344	PO Box 3050, P.R. 00681-0000
CENTRO ESTIMULACIÓN TEMPRANA	EE	(787) 832-1505	Carr. # 2, P.R. 00680-0000
CHARLES T. IRIZARRY	K-6	(787) 832-4456	PO Box 3050, P.R. 00681-0000
CONCORDIA	K-3	(787) 832-2081	Bo. El Seco, P.R. 00680-0000
CONSUELO PÉREZ CINTRÓN	K-6	(787) 832-2055	PO Box 6757, P.R. 00681-6757
CRUCES	K-6	(787) 833-2985	PO Box 3050, P.R. 00681-0000
CUESTA DE PIEDRAS	K-6	(787) 832-9018	PO Box 8010, P.R. 00680-0000
DAVID G. FARRAGUT	K-6	(787) 832-3344	PO Box 2201, P.R. 00681-0000
FEDERICO ASENJO	3-6	(787) 832-1305	PO Box 7997 Suite 84, P.R. 00681-0000
FRANCISCO BACO SORIA	K-6	(787) 832-2314	PO Box 4478, P.R. 00681-0000
FRANCISCO VICENTY	K-2	(787) 832-2310	PO Box 797 Suite 125, P.R. 00681-0000
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT	K-6	(787) 832-0482	182 Calle, P.R. P.R. 00680-0000
LUIS MUÑOZ RIVERA	K-6	(787) 834-7700	PO Box 3050, P.R. 00681-0000
MALEZAS	K-6	(787) 833-8283	PO Box 3050, P.R. 00681-0000
MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ JUNCOS	K-6	(787) 832-2233	PO Box 155, P.R. 00680-0000
MARIA LUISA ARCELAY	K-6	(787) 833-8845	PO Box 1647, P.R. 00681-1647
MARIANO RIERA PALMER	K-6	(787) 832-5262	257 Oeste, P.R. 00680-0000
MIRADERO II	K-5	(787) 832-0492	Carr. 108 #1584, P.R. 00680-7504
RAFAEL MARTÍNEZ NADAL	K-6	(787) 832-2002	PO Box 4427, P.R. 00680-0000
RAMÓN VALLE SEDA	PK-6	(787) 832-5105	PO Box 812, P.R. 00681-0000
RÍO CAÑAS ARRIBA	K-6	(787) 832-4620	PO Box 3050, P.R. 00680-0000
SABANETAS MANÍ	K-5	(787) 832-5080	Calle Aduna 257 Suite 344, P.R. 00680-0000
SEGUNDO RUIZ BELVIS	PK-6	(787) 832-5078	PO Box 3205, P.R. 00681-0000
THEODORE ROSEVELT	K-6	(787) 832-2204	153 Calle Pablo Casals, P.R. 00681-0000
Intermediate
ELPIDIO H. RIVERA	7-9	(787) 833-5560	PO Box 3050, P.R. 00681-3050
JOSÉ GAUTIER BENÍTEZ	7-9	(787) 834-0900	PMB 772 PO Box 7997 Suite 72, P.R. 00681-0000
MANUEL A. BARRETO	7-9	(787) 832-3046	PO Box 1260, P.R. 00681-1260
MARIA DOLORES FARIA	7-9	(787) 834-9289	Calle Candelaria, P.R. 00680-0000
Secondary
ERNESTO RAMOS ANTONINI (MÚSICA)	3-12	(787) 834-3177	PO Box 1048, P.R. 00681-1048
ESTEBAN ROSADO BÁEZ	7-9	(787) 831-6199	Suite 294, P.R. 00681-0000
LA SOLEDAD	6-9	(787) 834-8944	153 Parcelas Soledad, P.R. 00680-0000
RÍO CAÑAS ABAJO	K-9	(787) 831-0050	PO Box 3050, P.R. 00681-0000
SU FELISA RINCÓN DE GAUTHIER	K-9	(787) 831-5066	PMB 356, P.R. 00681
High School
CROEM	9-12	(787) 837-3720	PO Box 1550, P.R. 00681-1550
DR. PEDRO PEREA FAJARDO	10-12	(787) 833-0865	PO Box 1330, P.R. 00681-1330
EUGENIO MARIA DE HOSTOS	10-12	(787) 834-0600	PO Box 130, P.R. 00681-0130
SUPERIOR JOSÉ DE DIEGO	10-12	(787) 833-4804	Apartado 8124 Marina Station, P.R. 00681-0000

Hymn:

By Luciano Quiñones

Mi patria es un oasis,
un jardín de gran belleza,
donde artistas y poetas
se llenan de inspiración;
y tiene en el Oeste,
una fulgurante estrella,
un pedacito de cielo,
parte del reino de Dios.

Hoy quiero regalarle
a esta ciudad de hermosura,
La Sultana del Oeste,
la del sabor a mangó;
mi más lírica alabanza,
mi poesía más fina y pura,
y una melodía bordada
con hilos del corazón.

¡Mayagüez! ¡Mayagüez!
Ciudad de las aguas puras,
valles y montes de ensoñación,
baja cantando tu río
a tu apacible bahía
donde al fin de cada día
se acuesta a dormir el Sol.

¡Mayagüez! ¡Mi Mayagüez!
Que orgullo para nosotros
tu historia es,
desde el humilde Taíno
que bautizó al Río Yagüez,
a Eugenio María de Hostos
que inmenso fue.

Eres cuna de cultura,
crisol de sabiduría,
la Virgen de la Candelaria
dotó a tus damas
de gran belleza y de simpatía.
Eres el lugar perfecto,
del Paraíso el Edén;
de orgullo se hinche mi pecho
para decirte: ¡Dios te bendiga,
mi Mayagüez! ¡Mayagüez!

How to get to Mayagüez from San Juan.