Letras de Ponce facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Letras de Ponce |
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Letras de P-O-N-C-E in Barrio Sabanetas, Ponce, Puerto Rico
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| General information | |
| Architectural style | Modern |
| Location | Ponce |
| Country | Puerto Rico |
| Coordinates | 18°01′31.51″N 66°34′12.86″W / 18.0254194°N 66.5702389°W |
| Construction started | 2003 |
| Completed | January 2004 |
| Cost | US$430,000 |
| Client | Puerto Rico Department of Transportation |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Marina steel |
| Size | 20 ft (6.1 m) high, 18 ft (5.5 m) wide, 12 ft (3.7 m) deep |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Carlos Rivera Villafañe |
The Letras de Ponce (which means "Ponce Letters" in English) is a very famous landmark in Ponce, Puerto Rico. It's located in an area called Barrio Sabanetas. You can find it on the main highway, PR-52, where it meets PR-10.
This iconic monument is made up of five giant letters. They spell out the city's name: P-O-N-C-E. Each letter is about 20-foot high (6.1 m), 18-foot wide (5.5 m), and 12-foot deep (3.7 m). They are painted in bright red and black, which are the traditional colors of Ponce. A sculptor from Ponce named Carlos Rivera Villafañe designed these letters. Many people say that almost every person in Puerto Rico knows about this special sign.
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How the Letters Came to Be
In 2002, the Puerto Rico Department of Transportation held a contest. They wanted artists to design a monument. This monument would be placed at the entrance of Ponce, right on State Route 52 (PR-52). This contest was part of a bigger plan to create 97 public art projects all over Puerto Rico.
Many artists from around the world sent in their ideas. The government looked at 318 different designs. Carlos Rivera Villafañe's idea was chosen as one of the winners. His design was picked specifically for the Ponce city entrance.
Building and Design
The giant letters are built from a strong material called "marine steel." This is the same type of metal used to build ships, so it's very durable. Each letter stands 20 feet tall, 18 feet wide, and 12 feet deep. Together, they stretch out over a long distance. The large size of the letters is meant to show how big and important the city of Ponce is. It helps highlight Ponce's unique identity.
Building these letters cost about US$430,000. The entire process, from designing to making and installing them, was done right there in Puerto Rico.
About the Designer
Carlos Rivera Villafañe, the artist who designed the Letras de Ponce, was born in Ponce in 1966. He studied at the Escuela de Artes Graficas de Puerto Rico in San Juan. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1989. Besides the Letras de Ponce, Carlos Rivera Villafañe has created art in many other places. These include San Juan, Madrid, and other cities around the world.
Keeping the Letters Looking Good
The monument needs regular care to stay in good condition. Its designer recommended that it be painted often. The letters require a special kind of paint. They are always painted black and red, which are the official colors of Ponce. If someone vandalizes the monument, like with graffiti, it is repainted quickly.
Where the Letters Are Located
The Letras de Ponce monument is on flat ground. Each letter is surrounded by pretty flowers. It's just outside the main part of Ponce, on PR-52. This is the main road that leads into Ponce from San Juan. While people driving by can see the monument, it's hard for them to stop and look closely. Stopping on the highway can even lead to a fine.
Because the monument is so visible, it has sometimes been used for public gatherings. For example, a group of government workers once gathered there to make their voices heard.
- 18°01′31.51″N 66°34′12.86″W / 18.0254194°N 66.5702389°W
Changes and Vandalism
It is against the law to change the sign without permission. However, the letters have been vandalized a few times. For instance, in November 2011, the letter "O" was spray-painted with graffiti.
