Hayuya facts for kids

Hayuya was an important Taíno leader, also known as a Cacique (which means Chief). He was born around the 1470s. Hayuya governed a region in Puerto Rico that is now named after him, spelled "Jayuya".

Spanish Arrival in Puerto Rico

When the Spanish explorers first arrived in "Borikén," the Taíno name for Puerto Rico, the Taíno people welcomed them. The Taínos lived a peaceful and well-organized life. This made it easier for Juan Ponce de León and his men to take control of the island.

Before the Spanish arrived, the Taínos had their own way of governing. Each region had a tribe led by a Cacique. Some Caciques, like Hayuya, were very powerful. However, all Caciques answered to the "Supreme Cacique." At that time, the Supreme Cacique was Agueybana. The area Hayuya ruled is thought to be where Taíno culture began on the island.

Taíno Resistance Begins

Sadly, the Spanish soon began to treat the native people unfairly. They forced many Taínos to work for them. In February 1511, something important happened. Agueybana's brother, Güeybaná, also known as Agüeybaná II (The Brave), and Urayoan, the Cacique from Añasco, decided to act.

They and their men drowned a Spanish soldier named Diego Salcedo. They watched his body to see if he would come back to life. When he did not, the Taínos realized that the Spanish were not gods. This discovery made the Taínos feel brave enough to fight back against the Spanish.

Hayuya's Village and Its Fate

Ancient records called the Chronicles of the Indias tell us about Hayuya. These records are kept in Seville, Spain. They show that Hayuya lived and ruled in the central part of Puerto Rico. This area is now named after him.

On September 7, 1513, Juan Ponce de León, who was the governor, sent soldiers to stop the Taíno rebellion. These troops were led by Alonso Niño and Alonso de Mendoza. When they reached Hayuya's village, they attacked it. They destroyed the village and harmed its people.

The Taínos who survived were taken as prisoners. Some were forced to work in mines as laborers. Others were sent to Spain and sold. Many Taínos later died from the hard work in the mines or from diseases like smallpox.

Hayuya's Lasting Legacy

Today, Hayuya and the Taíno heritage are honored every year. The "National Indigenous Festival" (Festival Nacional Indígena) takes place on November 24 in the town of Jayuya.

There is also a special monument dedicated to Hayuya. It is the only monument of its kind for a Taíno Cacique. You can find it at Jayuya's Cultural Center, next to a Taíno tomb. A Puerto Rican artist named Tomás Batista created this sculpture in 1969. Hayuya is also shown on the town's coat of arms.

See also

• List of Puerto Ricans
• List of Taínos
• Agüeybaná
• Agüeybaná II
• Arasibo
• Jumacao
• Orocobix
• Tibes Indigenous Ceremonial Center