Manatí

MANATÍ

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The first and second quarter show two Greek temple facades. These refer to the 1900-1920s, when Manati was a major centre on Puerto Rico for culture, literature and arts. The town was named the 'Athens of Puerto Rico'.

The second and third quarter show two manatees (dolphin-like animals) and are used as a canting element. Although (as in other coastal areas) there are appearances of manatees in the area, the name really derives from the name MANATUABON, given by the long-gone Taino natives to the local river (meaning something like: "river of the high and beautiful flower").

The escutcheon with the flames symbolises the festivities in honor to the Virgin "de la Candelaria", the patron of the city, whose festivities call for the burning of bushes and tree branches.