Bayamón, Puerto Rico

Bayamón is known as "El Pueblo del Chicharrón" (fried pig skin city), considered the best in Puerto Rico. Chicharrón is made with different seasoned cuts of pork (also made with chicken) and deep fried. The town was established in May 22, 1772 by Juan Ramírez de Arrellano. Bayamón derives its name from a local Indian chief Bahamon. However, others claim that the name came from the Taíno word Bayamóngo, which is the name of one of the rivers that cross the city.

Bayamón is part of the metropolitan area of San Juan and is the island's second most populous city. Bayamón is considered to be the most progressive city of the island.

Bayamón, offers numerous attractions for visitors, including the renowned Luis A. Ferré Science Park (Parque de las Ciencias), located on Route 167. Spanning 42-acres, this science-themed park features museums, numerous playgrounds, a zoo, and an observation deck. Notably, it is the only place, outside of the United States, where visitors can explore an exhibition of NASA rockets and rockets parts. The park is open Wednesday through Friday, from 9am to 4pm; Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, from 10am to 6pm. Please note that the box office closes 1-1/2 hours before the park's closing time. For further information or inquiries, call (787) 740-6868, (787) 740-6878, or (787) 740-6871.

Another notable attraction in Bayamon is the City Hall, a distinctive building that spans over five lanes of highway. Visitors can experience a unique perspective while walking through a connecting corridor, situated above the road, where passing cars can be seen underneath. Built in 1978, the City Hall is made of concrete, glass, and lemon-yellow steel I-beams, making it the only suspended building of its kind in the Caribbean. It is believed to be the only one of its class in the world.

A must-visit destination in Bayamon is the Francisco Oller Art and History Museum located on the former Bayamon City Hall. This museum showcases memorabilia highlighting the city's rich history, arts and sports. Located bewteen Maceo and Degetau Streets visitors can explore the cultural heritage of Bayamon at this captivating museum. For further inquiries or information, call (787) 785-6010.

The former residence of Jose Celso Barbosa, who is often hailed as the father of statehood, now serves as the Jose Celso Barbosa Museum. This museum showcases a collection of objects that once belonged to Barbosa, including family photos, medals, and certificates. Visitors can explore the life and legacy of Barbosa at this historical site. The museum is open Mon-Fri 8:00am-noon 1:00pm-4:00pm. For inquiries or more information, call (787) 977-2700.

Bayamon Central University, founded in 1970, stands as a prominent educational institution in the town of Bayamon. Additionally, Bayam—n is home to a regional college of the University of Puerto Rico, further enriching the educational landscape of the area.

Additional Places and Sights

Other places worth exploring include:

• Santa Cruz Cathedral, founded in 1772
• Parque Central, open Tu-Su: 9:00am-6:00pm, (787) 798-8191
• Coliseo Ruben Rodriguez, (787) 725-2110
• Plaza del Sol, Shopping center with over 120 stores. Open Mon-Sat 9-9, Sun 11-5.

Economy

The city lies in a fertile valley in which sugar, tobacco, grapefruit, vegetables, and coffee are raised. The first hydraulic sugar mill on the island was built in Bayamón about 1548, and sugar has continued to be a valuable commodity. Sugar mills are among Bayamón's chief industrial establishments; others are iron foundries, brick yards, ice plants, dairies, and an oil refinery. Manufactures have included auto parts, machinery, precision tools, watches and clocks, canned foods, tin cans, tobacco products, clothing, and zippers. Merchandise is transported by truck to the Port of San Juan.

Geography

Bayamón territory is mostly flat because the city it is located on the Northern Coastal Valley, north of Aguas Buenas and Comerío; south of Toa Baja and Cataño; west of Guaynabo; and east of Toa Alta and Naranjito.

Bayamón rivers include: Bayamón, Hondo, Minillas, Bucarabones and Cuesta Arriba.

Bayamon is made up of 12 barrios (wards/districts):

Climate

Bayamon annual precipiation is 40.78 inches and its average temperature is 83°F. June is on average the warmest month, at around 88°F. January is on average the coolest month, at around 70°F.

10 Day Forecast from weather.com

Notable People

There are many well-known "bayamoneses", among them:

• Francisco Oller, painter
• José Celso Barbosa, politician
• Francisco Manrique Cabrera
• Virgilio Dávila, poet
• Joseacute;, doctor and poeat
• Antonio Dávila
• Braulio Dueño Colón, musician
• Jeśus Sanchez Erazo, musician
• Pedro Dávila Ortiz (Davilita), musician
• Gonzalo Núñez
• Isabel Gutiérrez del Arroyo
• Chuito el de Bayamón
• Hector "Macho" Camacho, world boxing champion
• Daniel Santos

Restaurants

• Andiamo Italian Restaurant (Italian), (787) 787-7013
• Bambu Burger (Puerto Rican), (787) 786-9379
• Bonanza Bayamon (Puerto Rican), (787) 288-1777
• Casa Pepe (Puerto Rican), (787) 785-2009
• Chihuahuas Cocina Mexicana (Mexican), (787) 787-4919
• Chili's Grill & Bar (Bayamon) (American), (787) 778-8811
• Chili's Grill & Bar (Rexville, Bayamon) (American), (787) 799-2880
• Dennys Bayamon (American), (787) 740-6264
• El Tiede (Spanish), (787) 785-0320
• Longhorn Steakhouse (American), (787) 778-0880
• Outback Steak House (American/Steak), (787) 269-4099
• Tropical III (International), (787) 785-2009

Festivals and Events

• Festival de Artesania - July
  (787) 787-8620
• Festival de la Santa Cruz - May
  La Santa Cruz is Bayamon's patron saint. Religious processions, music and food are all part of paying her an annual tribute. (787) 780-3058
• Festival del Chicharron - July
  (787) 787-8620
• Jose Celso Barbosa Anniversary - July
  (787) 787-8620

Symbols

Flag

The anthem was written by Ramon Luis Rivera. The title is Bayamón, ciudad hermosa....

Education

There are 67 public schools in Bayamon, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Bayamon is also home of 20 colleges and universities.

Map References

Coordinates: 18.3800° N, 66.1633° W

ZIP Code: 00956, 00957, 00958, 00959, 00960, 00961

Driving Distance from San Juan: 15.5 miles

Driving Time: 28 minutes