Canóvanas, Puerto Rico

Canóvanas has a population of over 43,000 (2000 census). It is located on PR Road #3, about ten minutes east of Carolina and another ten minutes west of Rio Grande.

The city is named after a 16th century Taíno indian chief named Canovanax whose tribes were located in sectors of the city and vicinities. The chief is credited with having arranged peace between the Spaniards and several indian tribes who had uprisen against them. The city is popularly known as city of the indians,

Canóvanas has one of the basketball team franchises, los Indios de Canóvanas.

This city faced a difficult period between 1994 and 1995. El chupacabra (the goatsucker) was being blamed for the mysterious deaths of well over one hundred domestic and farm animals over a period of months. While this has happened at many places throughout Puerto Rico, Canóvanas was surely the most affected.

Camarero Race Track (formerly: Hipódromo el Comandante) is located in Canóvanas. It is the only race track in Puerto Rico. It draws visitors from all over the island several days a week. Camarero ranks among the top racetracks in the United States and Canada in terms the total amount wagered on any race day. Camarero race track is open for racing Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Doors open at 1:00 p.m., post time is at 2:45 PM. Post time:

The patron saint for Canóvanas is "La Virgen del Pilar", celebrated on October 12.