Hormigueros, Puerto Rico

Hormigueros (Spanish pronunciation: [oɾmiˈɣeɾos], locally [oɭmiˈɣeɾoʔ]) is a town and municipality of Puerto Rico located in the western region of the island, northeast of Cabo Rojo; northwest of San Germán; and south of Mayagüez. Hormigueros is spread over 5 barrios and Hormigueros Pueblo (the downtown area and the administrative center). It is part of the Mayagüez Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Hormigueros
Municipio Autónomo de Hormigueros
Town and Municipality
The Basilica in Hormigueros
Basílica Menor de la Virgen de Monserrate
Flag of Hormigueros
Flag
Coat of arms of Hormigueros
Coat of arms
Nicknames: 
"El Pueblo de Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate", "El Pueblo del Milagro", "Los Peregrinos", "Corazón del Oeste"
Anthem: "Sobre un verde valle de mi linda Borinquén"
Map of Puerto Rico with Hormigueros highlighted in red
Map of Puerto Rico highlighting Hormigueros Municipality
Coordinates: 18°08′23″N 67°07′39″W
CommonwealthPuerto Rico
Founded1874
Founded byGiraldo González de la Renta
SeatEdificio Modesta Díaz Segarra
Barrios
6 barrios
Government
 • MayorPedro García Figueroa (Partido Popular Democrático)
 • Senatorial dist.4 – Mayagüez
 • Representative dist.20
Area
 • Total11 sq mi (29 km2)
 • Land11 sq mi (29 km2)
 • Water0 sq mi (0 km2)
Population
 (2020)[1]
 • Total15,654
 • Rank68th in Puerto Rico
 • Density1,400/sq mi (540/km2)
DemonymHormiguereños
Time zoneUTC−4 (AST)
ZIP Code
00660
Area code787/939
Major routes
Websitewww.municipiohormiguerospr.com

History

The region of what is now Hormigueros belonged to the Guaynia region, located on the southwest portion of Puerto Rico. Archaeological findings have established that there were tribes already settled in the region around 820 BC.

During the Spanish colonization at the beginning of the 16th century, European colonizers settled in the area. A coffin found underground the basilica was tested in laboratories and was dated prior to 1600. Historians also mention the Horomico River as one of the main sources of gold during the rush of the era.[2] In 1692, the settlement that would become the town of Hormigueros was first established as a village of San Germán. It was founded by Giraldo González de la Renta (sometimes spelled Geraldo).[3]

After its initial establishment, Hormigueros belonged to the municipality of San Germán.[3] From 1863 to 1873, residents of Hormigueros made formal petitions to be separated from San Germán and be declared an independent municipality. They were finally granted their independence as a municipality on April 1, 1874, being its first mayor Narciso Oller Serra.

Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain in the aftermath of the Spanish–American War under the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1898 and became a territory of the United States. In 1899, the United States Department of War conducted a census of Puerto Rico finding that the population of Hormigueros was 3,215.[4]

After the American invasion of 1898, Hormigueros was annexed this time to the town of Mayagüez. The annexation was ordered by Guy V. Henry, but according to Adolfo de Hostos, it was a town's petition.[5] In 1912, they were granted their independence once again, although there were attempts to annex them again during 1928–29.

On September 20, 2017 Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico. In minute Hormigueros, 651 residences were affected.[6] The hurricane triggered landslides in Hormigueros with its wind and rainfall.[7][8]

Folklore
Virgen de La Monserrate at the Museo de las Americas in San Juan, Puerto Rico

There is folklore about the town's founder, an explanation of why the church in the town, Basílica Menor de la Virgen de Monserrate, became so important. The legend has to do with the townspeople aiding Geraldo in finding his eight-year-old daughter, "with eyes as blue as the turquoise skies", when she disappeared. When his daughter was found 15 days later she was unharmed, not hungry, and unafraid and happily explained that a black woman had helped her. Geraldo and the townspeople imagined it was the Virgin of Montserrat and Geraldo said that for having helped his daughter she would be venerated for all ages. Many people heard of the tale and began praying for miracles at the place. Many pilgrimages have been made to the church, even as early as in the 17th century.[9] It had not been the first time Geraldo had experienced a miracle at the location where the church would be built. The first miracle was when a savage bull was going to attack him but when he prayed the bull bent its knees, bowed its head to the ground, and didn't attack.[10] Some versions of the story of the bull that would kill Geraldo state the bull's legs actually broke and thus was unable to charge at him.[11] Since then, many Catholics perform penitence by walking the steps to the church on their knees.[12]

Geography

The municipality of Hormigueros can be divided in three areas: the northern mountainous region that covers one fourth of the town, with hills of relative height; a semi-mountainous region that extends from east to west covering downtown Hormigueros; and the flat, valley region that extends to the south covering 5.6 square miles.[3]

Climate

The climate conditions of Hormigueros are hot and humid. The average temperature is 72 to 79 °F (22 to 26 °C).

Barrios
Subdivisions of Hormigueros.

Like all municipalities of Puerto Rico, Hormigueros is subdivided into barrios. The municipal buildings, central square and large Catholic church are located in a small barrio referred to as "el pueblo".[13][14][15][16]

  1. Benavente
  2. Guanajibo
  3. Hormigueros
  4. Hormigueros barrio-pueblo
  5. Jagüitas
  6. Lavadero

These residential areas are located outside Hormigueros downtown:

  1. Buenaventura
  2. San Romualdo Norte
  3. San Romualdo Sur
  4. Valle Hermoso Norte
  5. Valle Hermoso Sur

Sectors
Further information: List of barrios and sectors of Hormigueros, Puerto Rico

Barrios (which are like minor civil divisions)[17] in turn are further subdivided into smaller local populated place areas/units called sectores (sectors in English). The types of sectores may vary, from normally sector to urbanización to reparto to barriada to residencial, among others.[18][19][20]

Special Communities
See also: Puerto Rico Office for Socioeconomic and Community Development

Comunidades Especiales de Puerto Rico (Special Communities of Puerto Rico) are marginalized communities whose citizens are experiencing a certain amount of social exclusion. A map shows these communities occur in nearly every municipality of the commonwealth. Of the 742 places that were on the list in 2014, the following barrios, communities, sectors, or neighborhoods were in Hormigueros: Sector El Hoyo in Jagüitas, Lavadero, Salsipuedes and San Romualdo.[21][22]

Culture

Festivals and events

Hormigueros celebrates its patron saint festival in September. The Fiestas Patronales Virgen de la Monserrate is a religious and cultural celebration that generally features parades, games, artisans, amusement rides, regional food, and live entertainment.[3]

Other festivals and events celebrated in Hormigueros include:

  • Three Kings' Day Festival – January
  • Evening of poetry and music dedicated to love and friendship – February
  • Cultural Meet – March
  • Town Anniversary – April
  • Celebration honoring Ruiz Belvis – May
  • Evening of poetry and music dedicated to mothers – May
  • Evening of poetry and music dedicated to fathers – June
  • Youth Festival – July
  • Patron Saint's Festival queen selection – August
  • Segundo Ruiz Belvis Marathon – September
  • Puerto Rican Culture Day – November
  • Lighting of the Christmas tree – The first Saturday after Thanksgiving
  • Caroling (Aguinaldos) – December

Tourism

Despite its small size, Hormigueros does have several attractions for visitors including:[3]

Economy

The economy of Hormigueros is still developing. In the 1980s and 90s Allergan, Inc. had a subsidiary established in town boosting the economic development of Hormigueros. However, after Allergan left no other private industry has opened operations in the municipality. On the other hand, Hormigueros does provide abundant land, talent and accessibility for an economic development and expansion. Not far away there are two regional airports: Eugenio María de Hostos Airport at Mayagüez and Mercedita Airport at Ponce. In addition, there is the Rafael Hernández International Airport at Aguadilla. All three airports lie within 30 miles approximately.[3]

Demographics
Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
19003,215—
19103,88720.9%
19204,58417.9%
19304,8726.3%
19406,09825.2%
19506,91613.4%
19607,1533.4%
197010,82751.4%
198014,03029.6%
199015,2128.4%
200016,6149.2%
201017,2503.8%
202015,654−9.3%
U.S. Decennial Census[23]
1899 (shown as 1900)[24] 1910–1930[25]
1930–1950[26] 1960–2000[27] 2010[15] 2020[28]
Race – Hormigueros, Puerto Rico – 2000 Census[29]
Race Population  % of Total
White14,28386.0%
Black/African American8114.9%
American Indian and Alaska Native310.2%
Asian210.1%
Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander40.0%
Some other race1,0636.4%
Two or more races4012.4%

Hormigueros is one of the least populated municipalities. The population, according to the 2000 census, was 16,614 with a population density of 1,510.3 people per square mile (580.9/km2). Since the 1950s, the population has more than doubled.

Statistics taken from the 2000 census shows that 86.0% of Hormiguereños self-identify as Spanish or white origin, 4.9% as black, 0.2% as indigenous or other.

Government

The city belongs to the Puerto Rico Senatorial district IV, which is represented by two senators. In 2012, Gilberto Rodríguez and María Teresa González were elected as district senators.[30]

Symbols

The municipio has an official flag and coat of arms.[31]

Flag

The town's flag is based on the towns shield. It consists of a blue cloth with a horizontal white rhombus. Superposed on the white rhombus is another blue rhombus with a white globe outlined in blue with a cross. The globe with the cross symbolises royalty and represents Christ's domain over the world. This symbol is a traditional attribute to the Virgin of Montserrat.[3][32]

Coat of arms

The town's shield is formed by a blue rhombus, with silver-plated edge. On the blue bottom there's a green hill which is a representation of Our Lady of Monserrate de Hormigueros Sanctuary, with its silver stairway. The border has symmetrical black dots, on guard. On the top of the shield resides a crown formed by a wall, with three towers that have blue doors and windows. The joints of the stones are filled with blue lines. The shield is surrounded by two chains that begin at the crown and finish under the bottom part of the shield with the last links broken.[3][32]

Name

The name of Hormigueros means "anthill" in English. The town possibly derives its name from three concepts. The first one refers to the crowds that gathered at the Basilica Menor on September 8 to honor the Virgin of Montserrat. The second refers to the topographic formation of the town which consists of countless hills resembling "anthills" or mogotes, reason why it was called "Valle del Hormiguero" or "Anthill Valley". Third, it is possible that the name was originated from a Taíno word: Horomico, which means "río de oro" or "river of gold" due to the importance of the rivers in the area during the gold rush of the Spanish colonization.[3]

Education

Hormigueros boasts several public and private schools within its territory. Public education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education, specifically the Mayaguez Local Educational Agency (LEA).

The local schools are:

Elementary schools

  • Escuela Elemental Nueva

Middle schools

  • Ramon Rodríguez Diaz

High schools

  • Segundo Ruiz Belvis

Second unit (elementary and middle)

  • Alfredo Dorrington Farinacci

Higher education

At the same time, most of the population (21–35) has either a bachelor or a higher degree, making the town one of the most talented ones in the Island of Puerto Rico.

Transportation

Puerto Rico Highway 2 provides access to Hormigueros from the nearby city of Mayagüez, or from Ponce. The rest of the roads in the town are mostly rural.

It has a public transportation system consisting of public cars. Taxis are also available around the town.

There are 16 bridges in Hormigueros.[33]

See also

References
  1. Bureau, US Census. "PUERTO RICO: 2020 Census". The United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  2. "Hormigueros". Nueva Isla (in Spanish). SG Communications. Archived from the original on March 6, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  3. Hormigueros: History and Founding. Archived January 12, 2019, at the Wayback Machine Encyclopedia Puerto Rico. Retrieved October 21, 2012.
  4. Joseph Prentiss Sanger; Henry Gannett; Walter Francis Willcox (1900). Informe sobre el censo de Puerto Rico, 1899, United States. War Dept. Porto Rico Census Office. Washington : Govt. print. off. p. 161.
  5. "Hormigueros" (in Spanish). Municipality of Hormigueros. Archived from the original on March 24, 2009. Retrieved March 30, 2009.
  6. "María, un nombre que no vamos a olvidar. Hormigueros actuó rápido tras el azote de María" [Maria, a name we will never forget. Hormigueros moved quickly after Maria hit]. El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). June 13, 2019. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  7. "Preliminary Locations of Landslide Impacts from Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico". USGS Landslide Hazards Program. USGS. Archived from the original on March 3, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  8. "Preliminary Locations of Landslide Impacts from Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico" (PDF). USGS Landslide Hazards Program. USGS. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 3, 2019. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  9. "Selección de Leyendas puertorriqueñas". UFDC (in Spanish). Archived from the original on March 4, 2019. Retrieved March 4, 2019.
  10. Ramírez-Rivera, José (1979). 1929– Selección de Leyendas puertorriqueñas por Cayetano Coll y Toste ; adaptación y versión moderna de José Ramírez Rivera ; [dibujos, Janet Slemko, Brad Klein] (in Spanish) (5th ed.). Mayagüez, P.R.: Ediciones Libero. pp. 92–94. ISBN 978-0-9601700-2-9.
  11. Hermandad de Artistas Gráficos de Puerto Rico (1998). Puerto Rico—arte e identidad (in Spanish). La Editorial, UPR. pp. 96–. ISBN 978-0-8477-0223-7.
  12. LaBrucherie, Roger (1984). Images of Puerto Rico. El Centro, Calif., USA: Imágenes Press. p. 27.
  13. Picó, Rafael; Buitrago de Santiago, Zayda; Berrios, Hector H. (1969). Nueva geografía de Puerto Rico: física, económica, y social, por Rafael Picó. Con la colaboración de Zayda Buitrago de Santiago y Héctor H. Berrios. San Juan Editorial Universitaria, Universidad de Puerto Rico,1969. Archived from the original on December 26, 2018. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  14. Gwillim Law (May 20, 2015). Administrative Subdivisions of Countries: A Comprehensive World Reference, 1900 through 1998. McFarland. p. 300. ISBN 978-1-4766-0447-3. Retrieved December 25, 2018.
  15. Puerto Rico:2010:population and housing unit counts.pdf (PDF). U.S. Dept. of Commerce Economics and Statistics Administration U.S. Census Bureau. 2010. Archived (PDF) from the original on February 20, 2017. Retrieved January 3, 2019.
  16. "Map of Hormigueros at the Wayback Machine" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 24, 2018. Retrieved December 29, 2018.
  17. "US Census Barrio-Pueblo definition". factfinder.com. US Census. Archived from the original on May 13, 2017. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
  18. "Agencia: Oficina del Coordinador General para el Financiamiento Socioeconómico y la Autogestión (Proposed 2016 Budget)". Puerto Rico Budgets (in Spanish). Retrieved June 28, 2019.
  19. Rivera Quintero, Marcia (2014), El vuelo de la esperanza: Proyecto de las Comunidades Especiales Puerto Rico, 1997–2004 (first ed.), San Juan, Puerto Rico Fundación Sila M. Calderón, ISBN 978-0-9820806-1-0
  20. "Leyes del 2001". Lex Juris Puerto Rico (in Spanish). Retrieved June 24, 2020.
  21. Rivera Quintero, Marcia (2014), El vuelo de la esperanza:Proyecto de las Comunidades Especiales Puerto Rico, 1997–2004 (Primera edición ed.), San Juan, Puerto Rico Fundación Sila M. Calderón, p. 273, ISBN 978-0-9820806-1-0
  22. "Comunidades Especiales de Puerto Rico" (in Spanish). August 8, 2011. Archived from the original on June 24, 2019. Retrieved June 24, 2019.
  23. "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  24. "Report of the Census of Porto Rico 1899". War Department Office Director Census of Porto Rico. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  25. "Table 3-Population of Municipalities: 1930 1920 and 1910" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. p. 128. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 17, 2017. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  26. "Table 4-Area and Population of Municipalities Urban and Rural: 1930 to 1950" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on August 30, 2015. Retrieved September 21, 2014.
  27. "Table 2 Population and Housing Units: 1960 to 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 24, 2017. Retrieved September 21, 2017.
  28. Bureau, US Census. "PUERTO RICO: 2020 Census". The United States Census Bureau. Retrieved August 25, 2021.
  29. "Ethnicity 2000 census" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on February 16, 2008. Retrieved March 30, 2009.
  30. "Senadores por Distrito" [Senators by District] (in Spanish). Comisión Estatal de Elecciones de Puerto Rico. December 12, 2012. Archived from the original on August 4, 2013. Retrieved February 17, 2016.
  31. "Ley Núm. 70 de 2006 -Ley para disponer la oficialidad de la bandera y el escudo de los setenta y ocho (78) municipios". LexJuris de Puerto Rico (in Spanish). Retrieved June 15, 2021.
  32. "HORMIGUEROS". LexJuris (Leyes y Jurisprudencia) de Puerto Rico (in Spanish). February 19, 2020. Archived from the original on February 19, 2020. Retrieved September 17, 2020.
  33. "Hormigueros Bridges". National Bridge Inventory Data. US Dept. of Transportation. Archived from the original on February 20, 2019. Retrieved February 19, 2019.

Further reading
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