Utuado, between mountains

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Utuado

Utuado is a municipality of Puerto Rico located in the central/western mountainous region of the island known as La Cordillera Central. It is located north of Adjuntas and Ponce; south of Hatillo and Arecibo; east of Lares; and west of Ciales and Jayuya. In land area it is the third largest municipality in Puerto Rico (after Arecibo and Ponce). According to the 2000 US Census the city has a population of 35,336 spread over 24 wards and Utuado Pueblo (the downtown area and the administrative center of the city). The name Utuado derives from the Taíno word "otoao", meaning "between mountains."Landmarks and places of interest

Cascada El Saltillo
Lago Dos Bocas
Lago Caonillas
Hacienda Roses
Monumento a los Soldados Utuadeños
Represa Dos Bocas
Taller Hacienda Taína
Centro Ceremonial Indígena de Caguana

Iglesia San Miguel Arcangel - Established 1746

With narrow streets leading up to a central plaza surrounded by a church and the governor's house, Utuado Pueblo is a perfect example of a town built during the Spanish Colonial era of Puerto Rico. The Iglesia San Miguel Arcangel, the local Catholic parrish, was founded in 1746. The current double-steepled church was built between 1872 and 1878 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, along with the Caguana Ceremonial Park and the Blanco Bridge or "Puente Blanco" located in barrio Arenas joining Utuado with Adjuntas. Other buildings in Utuado Pueblo that retain their colonial architectural features include The Center for Art, Culture and Tourism in the old Tobacco Coop building, the old hospital "Hospital Catalina Figueras and Teatro San Miguel, among others (for pictures of these and other buildings see photo gallery below).

Lago Dos Bocas

Lago Caonillas in Barrio Don Alonso

The Rio Abajo Forest Reserve (Bosque Estatal Rio Abajo) is a 5,780-acre (23 km²) forest reserve shared with Arecibo and home to 223 plants and wildlife species including: native silk-cotton trees, Asian teaks, Dominican and Honduran mahogany and Australian pines. It is also home to a captive population of the critically endangered Puerto Rican Amazon.

East of the Rio Abajo Forest Reserve is Lago Dos Bocas, one of several man made lakes in Utuado. From El Embarcadero, near routes 123 and 146, boats take guests around the water to one of the many restaurants for lakeside dining.

Lago Caonillas in the western region of Utuado is another man made lake. This reservoir encompasses over 50 square miles (130 km²) and was constructed in 1948 by the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority. People seeking a great mountain getaway with breath-taking views of the lake can stay in the several hotels in the area including Casa Grande Mountain Retreat and Hostal Villas del Lago.

Festivals and events

Barrio Angeles Fiesta - April

The Agricultural Technology department of the University of Puerto Rico at Utuado hosts an annual festival, Festival Tierra Adentro, featuring arts and crafts by local artisans, music, food and plant and animal exhibitions. This festival is held in early April.

Guarionex Fiestas - April

'Feria Artesanal de Angeles is an annual arts & crafts fair held in early May in barrio Angeles featuring local artisans, music and food.

Cross Rosary - May

Festival Cultural del Otoao is an annual event held in the beginning of December celebrating Utuado's Taino heritage. It features arts & crafts, concerts, food and dance and takes place in the central plaza "Plaza del Recreo" in Utuado Pueblo.

The annual Patron Saint Festival is held towards the end of September to early October. The town's patron saint, San Miguel Arcangel, is honored with processions, music, and in 2005 featured amateur boxing matches, softball and domino games. It is held in Utuado Pueblo's central plaza, "Plaza de Recreo."

Festival Nacional Del BBQ en Utuado... Originated by Locals Samuel Kanig & Ramon G. Garcia

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