Ponce puerto rico facts: Ponce | Puerto Rico | Britannica

The History of Ponce, Puerto Rico

Ponce’s rich cultural life gave birth in the mid-1800s to a unique form of romantic classical music called danza. A melding of Caribbean and European styles, the formally structured musical style is often described as an Afro-Caribbean waltz and was typically performed on piano and bombardino (similar to a trombone) to accompany the dance. As with early rock and roll, conservatives disapproved of the new style because it encouraged couples to dance too closely. But it was eventually embraced by the whole island. In fact, Puerto Rico’s national anthem, “La Borinqueña,” was originally written as a danza. The form is still celebrated today with Ponce’s annual Semana de la Danza festival.

The good times continued to roll for a while in Ponce. In 1882 the much ballyhooed Exposition-Fair was held in Plaza de las Delicias to celebrate and cultivate the city’s standing as a cultural and agricultural center. Several pavilions were built, including a Moroccan-style structure, no longer standing, that contained a bazaar and hosted children’s dances. Another structure built for the fair was the startling black-and-red-striped structure known today as the Parque de Bombas, which later became the city’s fire station and now houses the local tourism office. Many more tents and stalls filled the plaza displaying local produce, flora, and fauna. Horse races were held in the streets, and concerts, plays, and literary readings were held at Teatro La Perla.

The historic Casa Armstrong Poventud was built in Ponce in 1899. Photo © Suzanne Van Atten.

By the turn of the 20th century, the tides began to turn for Ponce. When the United States took control of the island in 1898, new trade restrictions choked the city’s shipping industry. Sugar prices fell, sending that industry into decline, and hurricanes destroyed the coffee plantations. By the time the Depression rolled around, Ponce began to spiral into a severe economic decline.

Further demoralizing the social fabric of the city was an event in 1937 referred to as the Ponce Massacre, in which 19 people were gunned down during a demonstration by members of the island’s Nationalist Party seeking independence from the United States. Two hundred people were injured in the melee, including many women and children. To learn more, visit the Museo de la Historia de Ponce.

Today Ponce is still struggling to find its economic foothold. In the early 1990s, millions of dollars were earmarked to revitalize the city, and much of the area around Plaza de las Delicias has been restored. The plaza is lined with many thriving businesses, including banks, hotels, bars, tourist shops, cafés, and fast-food restaurants. During the day, sidewalks are filled with shoppers, tourists, and street vendors selling everything from fresh flowers to hot dogs. At night there are often live concerts and lots of teenagers and lovers sitting on park benches, eating ice cream, and parading along the sidewalks. In addition, a recreational facility called La Guancha, featuring restaurants, bars, and a playground, was built near the harbor, and it has infused the tourist industry with some much-needed enthusiasm. And in 2005, JetBlue began flying direct from New York City’s JFK airport into Ponce’s Mercedita International Airport.

Travel map of Ponce

Ponce has a petty street crime problem, so stick close to Plaza de las Delicias at night, or take taxis to area restaurants and casinos. And if you’re traveling by car, beware of Ponce drivers. They’re arguably the worst on the island. Nevertheless, Ponce is full of many charms that are well worth taking a few extra precautions to enjoy.

Ponce Puerto Rico – 2022 Best Things to Do / Top Hotels / Map, Visiting Tips

Caja de Muertos Island

Caja de Muertos is a short scenic boat ride from Ponce.  The island is a nature reserve, you’ll be visiting a place untouched by development or tourism.   Caja de Muertos is one of the most underrated places in Puerto Rico, it certainly doesn’t get the attention it deserves, once you get there, you’ll probably wish it stays that way, keeping it nice, quiet, and pristine.  This uninhabited island is home to Playa Pelicano, a uniquely beautiful beach, named after all the beautiful pelicans that nest on the hill adjacent to the beach.  

You can enjoy a full day of beach-combing, suntanning, snorkeling, and hiking.  If you’re staying in Ponce, Playa Pelicano is truly the only beautiful beach in the municipality.

 + Caja de Muertos Island – Puerto Rico

Parque de Bombas

Parque de Bombas is the most visited attraction in Ponce and one of the most photographed landmarks in Puerto Rico.  In 1984, Parque de Bombas de Ponce was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  As you drive towards the plaza, the bright tones of red and black immediately capture the visitor’s attention.   The firehouse is a symbol of pride and respect for the heroic work of the firemen of Ponce.

+ Highlights – Parque de Bombas

Highlights of Parque de Bombas de Ponce

• First firehouse in Puerto Rico.
• Built in 1882 as the main pavilion for that year’s Exhibition Trade Fair.
• From 1885 – 1990, the building officially served as Ponce’s firehouse.
• Currently houses a museum featuring: photos of firefighters, artifacts used in the past, antique firetruck, and more.

Location: Plaza Delicias 

Hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm

Museo de Arte de Ponce

Museo de Arte de Ponce is the most prestigious art museum in Puerto Rico, and one of the most well-known across the Caribbean.  “The Ponce Museum of Art is recognized worldwide as an important center of European art in America and continues to offer its visitors a rich panorama of Western art, from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century. Two strong points within the European collection are Baroque art and Victorian painting.”

Permanent Collection

“The permanent collection consists of 4,500 paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, ceramics, three-dimensional objects, photographs, engravings, drawings, videos, and installations of sound art. The works of art span 30 centuries (from 900 BC to the present) and come from Europe, America, and Africa. In 1956 Luis A. Ferré established a foundation that bears his name and acquired his first group of European paintings for the future museum in Ponce that opened in 1959.”

Plaza Las Delicias

Like other towns in Puerto Rico, Plaza Las Delicias is located at the center of the historic district.  This is the cultural center, where old friends meet, festivals take place, and the location of some of the most recognized landmarks in Ponce.  

While here, you won’t be able to miss the commanding red and black Parque de Bombas and the town cathedral.  Take a stroll around the plaza, you can visit the Armstrong Poventud Residence (across the cathedral), souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants, a casino, admire the elegant architecture, stop at art murals for some colorful vacation photos, and refresh with some ice cream at the beloved Rex Cream. 

Centro Ceremonial Indígena Tibes

Centro Ceremonial Indígena Tibes is the oldest Antillian Indigenous ceremonial complex.   The flooding of Hurricane Eloisa in 1975, uncovered a great archeological treasure in Ponce of great significance to the Antilles and the Puerto Rican people.  

+  Centro Ceremonial Indigena Tibes – Ponce, PR

Castillo Serralles

Castillo Serralles, a 4 story mansion built in the early 1930’s designed with an elegant Spanish revival style.  The mansion was built by Juan Serrales, son of Juan Serralles, founder of Destileria Serralles (Serralles Distillery), which was the family’s headquarters for 70 years.   Today the mansion houses a museum; it is one of the most photographed buildings in Puerto Rico, a popular venue for events and weddings, and one of the most visited attractions in Ponce.  As you drive around town you can see Castillo Serralles sitting at the top of the hill next to La Cruceta overlooking the center city of Ponce.

+ Castillo Serralles – Ponce, Puerto Rico

Festival de Las Quenepas

One of Ponce’s slogans is “Ciudad de Las Quenepas” (The city of Quenepas – Spanish Lime).   From July – October, you’ll find these delicious treats sold around the plaza, highways, markets… everywhere.  Although quenepas grow around the whole island, Puerto Ricans consider quenepas in Ponce to be extra special.  There are four types of quenepas that grow in Puerto Rico and one of them is named Ponce.

Quenepas Cultural Event

If you’re in Ponce during the summer, don’t miss the Festival de las Quenepas, a cultural event held at Plaza de Las Delicias (center square) where you can enjoy live music, artisan crafts, great food, and of course as many quenepas as your heart desires.

Eating Quenepas

The fruit is best enjoyed and eaten naturally, but in Ponce, you’ll find juice and marmalades, artisan beers, and desserts.  In Vieques, an alcoholic drink is made from quenepas named Bili.

Safety Warning: If you’ve never eaten a quenepa, in the center there is a hard seed that can and most likely cause choking if swallowed accidentally.   Parents of small children should be very careful and teach them to simply eat the outside carefully but never put the entire fruit in their mouth.

Hacienda Buena Vista

Leave the city and head up to the mountains to Hacienda Buena Vista, there you can enjoy a guided tour of what used to be one of the most important coffee plantations in Puerto Rico. Hacienda Buena Vista was built in the mid-19th century.   Visitors can learn about the methods of coffee production back in the 1800s.  The plantation was purchased from the Vives family in 1984 by The Conservation Trust of Puerto Rico. Hacienda Buena Vista is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

+ Hacienda Buena Vista

Catedral Nuestra Señora de la Guadalupe

The Catedral de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe (Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe) commonly known as Catedral de Ponce (Ponce Cathedral) was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1984.   The cathedral is located at the center of Plaza Las Delicias facing west, it is the only church situated at the center of a plaza, dividing the square into two plazas (squares).

+ Quick Facts, Events & Hours

Quick Facts

• History dates back to 1670. Original structures were damaged by earthquakes and fires.
• From 1931 – 1937 church was reconstructed.   Cathedral was designed by Francisco Porrata Doria.  The facade was designed in a neoclassical style.   Interior design is colonial and gothic.
• The cathedral features a large pipe organ played by famous Puerto Rican composer Juan Morel Campos.

Important Events at Catedral de Ponce

• December 12th –  Annual event held since 1965 with an average attendance of 10,000 people.  Procession and Mass presided by the Bishop of Diocese.  Attendees congregate at the entrance of the Cathedral before dawn for a procession to sing Las Mañanitas (a song typically sang on birthdays in Mexico), accompanied by a mariachi band to celebrate the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Ponce.   Following a Holy Mass is held at the Cathedral at 5 am.

Hours

• Monday – Friday from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm
• Saturday – Sunday: 6am to 12pm / 3pm to 8pm

Mass Services

• Monday – Friday 7am, 9am, 12:05pm
• Saturdays: 9am, 4pm, 7pm
• Sundays: 7am, 8:30am, 11am, 4pm, 7pm

Office Hours

Monday – Friday: 9am / 1pm

La Guancha

Please Note: La Guacha Boardwalk is closed as they make improvements due to Hurricane Maria’s damage, but food trucks and artisans have moved to the parking lot next to the playground until improvements are completed. 

La Guancha is a favorite place for locals to gather with friends and families.  It is located in Avenida Malecón (south end) next to Puerto (Port) de las Americas.  You will find a few restaurants open for lunch where business workers come for a nice break by the sea.   La Guancha is a cultural center where the municipality and private organizations celebrate events throughout the year.  Weekends are festive where you may find live music, artisans, and food trucks. 

+ Highlights

• Restaurants & Kiosks
• Observation Tower
• Boardwalk (Currently closed to damage from Hurricane Maria).
• Boat Ramps
• Playground

Booking.com

Check Deals

Booking.com

Check Deals

Teatro La Perla

Teatro La Perla

Teatro La Perla is a beloved cultural center in the city of Ponce, where locals and visitors alike can attend a variety of shows, musicals and events.   Music and art are an integral part of the Puerto Rican culture, some of the most important events held are: Pablo Casals Festival, Luis Torres Nadal Theatre Festival and Theatre Festival of the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture. 

Teatro La Perla is the second oldest theatre in use on the island.   It was destroyed by an earthquake in 1918 and further damaged in 1924 by a fire.  Teatro La Perla was rebuilt in 1941 with the same facade designed by architect Francisco Porrata Doria and Francisco Gardón.  Teather was remodeled in 1990, it has a capacity of 1,047 seats

Cruceta de La Vigia

La Vigía is a watchtower next to Castillo Serralles, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of the city.     In 1801 when the city was under control by Spain the city was at risk of attacks, The Vigía was built to serve as a watchtower to protect the city from invaders and pirates.  It was also used to guide ships approaching the port.

The Vigía could use some TLC, it would look amazing painted in white with brand new windows and updated facilities.  Photography enthusiasts and those wishing to have a bird’s eye view of the city will find this attraction worth a stop.  See the map below for the location.

Panteón Nacional Román Baldorioty de Castro

Panteón Nacional Román Baldorioty de Castro

Panteon Nacional is a National Historical Site where illustrious Puerto Ricans were laid as their final resting place.   If you’re a Puerto Rican history buff you may find this attraction worth a stop.

Destroyed statue of Juan Ponce de Leon // Watching

Destroyed statue of Juan Ponce de Leon // Watching

• Profile

January 25, 2022, 09:25
January 25, 2022, 10:25
January 25, 2022, 11:25
January 25, 2022, 12:25
January 25, 2022, 13:25
January 25, 2022, 14:25
January 25, 2022, 15:25
January 25, 2022, 16:25
January 25, 2022, 17:25
January 25, 2022, 18:25
January 25, 2022, 19:25

• Destroyed statue of Juan Ponce de Leon

A statue of the Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de Leon, the founder of the first European settlement in the country, was destroyed in Puerto Rico.

This happened a few hours before the visit of the Spanish King Philip the Sixth – the monarch came to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the founding of the capital of Puerto Rico, San Juan. Probably, in a similar way, the vandals wanted to express their negative attitude towards the Spanish colonization. The statue was cast from melted down British cannons and stood for more than two centuries. Steel Ponce de Leon pointed to the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, where the remains of a Spanish nobleman are buried.

“A very sad event. We are all open to discussion about history, everyone can have their own opinion about the past of our country and the personality of Juan Ponce de Leon, but this does not give anyone the right to destroy our heritage. We Puerto Ricans must protect our culture, including architectural monuments and monuments from the era of the Spanish crown,” says Luis Moises Pérez, director of the San Juan Museum.

• society

• culture

• news

• vandalism

• a statue

• culture News

• News of the TV channel “Culture”

All broadcast

Auto-geolocation

Ponce / Mercedita airport weather today, weather forecast for today, Ponce / Mercedita, , Puerto Rico.

now

10:51

+28 83

Pension +30 85

W, 13 Dec

Today

+2068

+2679

SR, 14 Dec

+2068

+2781

2 ⁰⁰

5 ⁰⁰

8 ⁰⁰

11 ⁰⁰

14 ⁰⁰

17 ⁰⁰

⁰⁰

9000 9000