Cayey, Puerto Rico

(ka-YAI)

Cayey is known as "La Ciudad del Torito" (town of the little bull) and "La Ciudad de las Brumas" (city of the fog). Cayey was founded on August 17, 1773 by Juan Mata Vázquez, who became its first mayor. It is said that Cayey derives its name from the Taino Indian word for "a place of waters". Its original name was "Cayey de Muesas", in honor of Miguel de Muesas, the governor of Puerto Rico at the time.

Cayey is famous for its two twin peaks known as "Las Tetas de Cayey," (the teats of Cayey), nicknamed for their similarity to a female body part, which were formed by volcanic activity.

Another famous tourist attraction is the Monumento al Jíbaro Puertorriqueño, (Monument to the Puerto Rican Countryman) an homage to the Puerto Rican Jibaro, a humble, hardworking and wise man, living in poverty and with little or no education.

The Carite Forest Reserve located between Cayey and Yabucoa offers more than 6,000 acres of protected parkland.

Cayey is home of the Cayey University College (1967), a branch of the University of Puerto Rico. This is the only liberal arts college in Puerto Rico.

Additional Places and Sights

Other places worth exploring include:

• Coca-Cola Company Bottling Facility
• Museo de Arte Pio Lopez
• Teatro Municipal
• Playa Machete

Economy

The surrounding areas produces sugar, tobacco, and poultry. Cigars and clothing are also manufactured. Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble have manufacturing facilities in Cayey.

Geography

Cayey territory is very mountainous because the city it is located on the Central Mountain range, north of Salinas and Guayama; south of Cidra and Caguas; east of Aibonito and Salinas; and west of San Lorenzo.

Major rivers include: Guavate, Jajome, Maton, La Plata, and Grande de Loíza.

Cayey is made up of 17 barrios (wards/districts):

Climate

Cayey's climate is humid, rainy and mild. Annual precipitation is 100 inches (2,540 mm), and its average temperature is 77°F. Summers are warm ranging from 82°F to 88°F, while winters are moderately warm with cool temperatures at 57°F to 63°F.

10 Day Forecast from weather.com

Notable People

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

• Ramon Frade
• Miguel Melendez Munoz
• Danny Rivera, singer
• Jesús Colón, writer
• Eugenio Fernandez Mendez
• Benigno Fernandez Garcia
• Baltazar Mendoza
• Zuleyka Rivera, Miss Universe 2006

Restaurants

• Bistro Catalina (Middle Eastern), (787) 263-4499
• Brasa Caliente (International), (787) 738-3105
• Chili's Grill & Bar (Cayey) (American), (787) 788-8811
• El Meson de Jorge (Puerto Rican), (787) 263-2800
• El Mexicano Restaurant (Mexican), (787) 263-9488
• Jajome Terrace (Puerto Rican), (787) 738-4016
• Jardin Chiquitin (Puerto Rican), (787) 263-2800
• Lechonera El Mojito (Puerto Rican), (787) 738-8888
• Lechonera Los Pinos (Puerto Rican), (787) 286-1917
• Sand & Sea (International), (787) 738-9086
• Siempre Viva (Puerto Rican), (787) 738-0512

Accommodations

• La Posada El Coqui (Guest House), (787) 735-3150
  
• Casa Aurora (Rental), (787) 306-2694
  

Festivals and Events

• Fiestas Patronales Nuestra Senora de Asuncion - August
  Every year, Cayey celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 738-3211
• Olimpiadas del Torito - April
  

Symbols

Flag

The flag derives its design and colors from the Coat of Arms, which is in the center of the flag encirled by a solid black ring. The centered Coat of Arms and has four triangles pointing to it, two white and two red.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms has a three tip mountain, a red bull, and a waving blue stripe representing the abundant water in the zone and also in reverence to the primitive matron of the town of Cayey. The shield is topped with the silver lamb symbol of San Juan of Puerto Rico, and a red book.

Anthem

The anthem of Cayey was written by Clodomiro Rodriguez. The title is Alma Boricua.

Education

There are 22 public schools in Cayey, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education. Cayey is also home of 2 colleges and universities.

Map References

Coordinates: 18.1144° N, 66.1681° W

ZIP Code: 00736, 00737

Driving Distance from San Juan: 37.3 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour, 1 minute