form of a three-tower mural crown stands above the shield. Nicknames Canóvanas is known by various names. It is known as the "Pueblo Valeroso" after Cacique Yuira lost her life defending the Spanish people from her own people, the Taínos. It is also known as the "City of Indians" because of its important Taíno heritage. Canóvanas is also known as the "City of Races", because of the Hipódromo Camarero, and the "Town of the Chupacabras" because of the alleged sightings of the creature, and the beliefs in it of former mayor, José Chemo Soto. Transportation The main road to Canóvanas is the PR-3 that crosses the municipality from east to west. Distance from the capital is roughly 15 minutes. Other roads that lead to Canóvanas are PR-185 that enters between the Lomas and Hato Puerco barrios, PR-186 of the Cubuy ward, and PR-957 of the Hato Puerco ward. Roads 874 and 188 enter the town from the north, the former at Torrecillas Alta from Carolina and the latter at Canóvanas Pueblo from Loíza. In 2012, the PR-66, which starts in Carolina, was extended to lead directly into Canóvanas. There is also a terminal for public cars in front of the town square, as well as service provided by taxis, and independent public cars. Canovanas is reasonably close to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport in Carolina and to the Port of San Juan. There are 29 bridges in Canóvanas. Books Canóvanas, Puerto Rico The Cradle of The Indians by Greg Boudonck, Translated by Maria Ruiz O'Farrill See also List of Puerto Ricans History of Puerto Rico References External links News out of Canóvanas on Presencia PR Spanish language site about Canóvanas Canovanas Municipality on Facebook Municipalities of Puerto Rico Populated places established in 1909 San Juan–Caguas–Guaynabo metropolitan area 1909 establishments in Puerto Rico Populated places established in 1970