Vega Alta barrio-pueblo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Vega Alta barrio-pueblo
Pueblo de Vega Alta
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Municipality Seat
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Vega Alta central plaza, municipal flag of Vega Alta and Catholic church
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Location of Vega Alta barrio-pueblo within the municipality of Vega Alta shown in red
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 Vega Alta barrio-pueblo
Location in Caribbean
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| Commonwealth |  Puerto Rico |
| Municipality |  Vega Alta |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km2) |
| • Land | 0.1 sq mi (0.3 km2) |
| • Water | 0 sq mi (0 km2) |
| Elevation | 108 ft (33 m) |
| Population
(2010)
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| • Total | 1,169 |
| • Density | 11,690/sq mi (4,510/km2) |
| Source: 2010 Census | |
| Time zone | UTC−4 (AST) |
Vega Alta barrio-pueblo is a special area in Vega Alta, Puerto Rico. It's like the main downtown part of the Vega Alta municipality. In 2010, about 1,169 people lived here.
Just like in Spain, many towns in Puerto Rico have a central area called a pueblo. This area usually has a main plaza, the town hall, and a Catholic church. Every year, fun festivals called Fiestas patronales (patron saint festivals) are held in the central plaza.
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The Heart of Town: Plaza and Church
The central plaza, or town square, is a busy place. People gather here for fun events, to relax, and to meet friends from morning until night. Long ago, Spanish laws called the Laws of the Indies said that these plazas should be big enough for celebrations.
These laws also said that the streets around the plaza should have comfortable walkways. These walkways would protect people from the sun and rain. Right across from the main plaza in Vega Alta barrio-pueblo, you'll find the Parroquia Inmaculada Concepción, which is a Roman Catholic church.
A Look Back: History of Vega Alta Pueblo
After the Spanish–American War, Spain gave Puerto Rico to the United States. This happened because of the Treaty of Paris of 1898. Puerto Rico then became a territory of the United States.
In 1899, the U.S. government took a count of the people in Puerto Rico. They found that 1,081 people lived in the Pueblo area of Vega Alta.
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 1,081 | — | |
| 1910 | 1,657 | 53.3% | |
| 1920 | 2,142 | 29.3% | |
| 1930 | 2,884 | 34.6% | |
| 1940 | 3,238 | 12.3% | |
| 1950 | 3,492 | 7.8% | |
| 1960 | 3,182 | −8.9% | |
| 1980 | 1,583 | — | |
| 1990 | 1,460 | −7.8% | |
| 2000 | 1,242 | −14.9% | |
| 2010 | 1,169 | −5.9% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census 1899 (shown as 1900) 1910-1930 1930-1950 1960 1980-2000 2010 |
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Lin-Manuel Miranda's Special Connection
Lin-Manuel Miranda is a famous musician and writer who won many awards. He created the super popular Broadway show "Hamilton". His family has roots right here in Vega Alta!
In 2017, Lin-Manuel's father opened a cafe and restaurant called Placita Güisín in Vega Alta barrio-pueblo. Then, in 2019, Lin-Manuel opened his own gallery nearby. It's called the Lin-Manuel Miranda Gallery. He moved many of his special items and awards there. He also opened a store called TeeRico. This spot has become a popular place for tourists to visit!
Images for kids
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The Jose Rosado Negron pedestrian zone, a street just for walking.
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A colorful mosaic at Placita Güisín.
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Inside the Lin-Manuel Miranda Gallery.
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The outside of Placita Güisín.
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The municipal building, also known as the town hall.
See also
In Spanish: Vega Alta (Vega Alta) para niños
- List of communities in Puerto Rico
