Cidra, Puerto Rico

(SEE-drah)

Cidra is known as "El Pueblo de la Eterna Primavera" (the town of the eternal spring) because of its cool temperatures. It also known as "El Pueblo de la Paloma Sabanera" because of "La Paloma Sabanera". Cidra was founded in 1809.

Cidra is home of "La Paloma Sabanera" (Patagioenas inornata wetmorei), the only bird in Puerto Rico with blue eyes. This pigeon is endemic to Puerto Rico. Its original geographical distribution included the valleys and low mountains of the western region, from Añasco to Morovis. According to the Federal Recovery Plan, the Paloma Sabanera is in danger of extinction due to deforestation and urban development. It is estimated that only about 200 or 300 pigeons remain in the wild, living primarly in Cidra, and areas of Cayey, Caguas, Comerio and Aguas Buenas.

Lago de Cidra is a reservoir located on the confluence of Rio de Bayamon, Rio Sabana, and Quebrada Prieta, about 3.0 kilometers northeast of the town of Cidra. The dam is owned and operated by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA), and was constructed in 1946 and supplies water to San Juan, Rio Piedras, Catano and neighboring towns. A favorite of kayaking, canoeing, fishing and bird-watching aficionados.

Geography

Cidra is located in the central region of the island, north of Cayey; south of Comerío and Aguas Buenas; east of Aibonito; and west of Caguas.

Cidra has four rivers: Bayamon, La Plata, Clavijo, and Arroyata; and ten streams: Galindo, Caña, Bocana, Del Blanco, La Catalina, Ceiba, Pueblo Viejo, Solano, Prieta, and Quebradillas.

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

Climate

Cidra enjoys a subtropical climate with moderate temperatures. Cidra annual precipitation is approximately 63.38 inches and the average temperature is 81.2°F.

10 Day Forecast from weather.com

Notable People

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

• Benjamin López, writer
• Felito Félix, singer

Restaurants

• La Casita Criolla (Cidra) (Puerto Rican), (787) 739-2858
• Po Po Restaurant Chino (Chinese), (787) 739-2000
• Restaurant Don Jose (Puerto Rican), (787) 739-8042
• Restaurant Los Dos Mangoes (Puerto Rican), (787) 739-8619

Accommodations

If you're staying the night, try Cidra Country Club Inn & Villas.

Festivals and Events

• Festival Paloma Sabanera - November
  
• Fiestas Patronales de Nuestra Sra. del Carmen - July
  Every year, Cidra celebrates a patron saint festival. The festivities include dances, food, parades and religious processions. (787) 739-4041
• Semana Myrna Vazquez - February
  

Symbols

Flag

Anthem

The anthem of Cidra was written by Felito Felix. The title is Del corazón de Puerto Rico nacio Cidra.

Education

There are 17 public schools in Cidra, education is handled by the Puerto Rico Department of Education.

Map References

Coordinates: 18.1758° N, 66.1614° W

ZIP Code: 739

Driving Distance from San Juan: 29.2 miles

Driving Time: 1 hour, 1 minute