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Peñuelas in Municipio de Peñuelas, Puerto Rico — The Caribbean (The West Indies)
 

Leyenda del Río Guayanés

[Legend of the River Guayanés]

 
 
Leyenda del Río Guayanés Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), June 5, 2023
1. Leyenda del Río Guayanés Marker
Inscription.  
Según cuenta la leyenda, las orillas del río que circundan al pueblo de Peñuelas, servían de escenario a los encuentros amorosos de la joven española Anés y del valeroso indio Guay. El río y el verdor peñolano eran testigos mudos de tan puros sentimientos, pero la familia de Anés no consentía esta unión y dieron orden de muerte contra tan galante y respetuoso indígena.

La sangrienta tarea de marras fue encomendada a un joven militar que se encontraba enamorado, pero no correspondido, de la bella española, gestión que no titubeó en aceptar, viendo así aumentadas las posibilidades de ganar el amor de la joven. En carrera apresurada el osado militar se acercó al lugar de encuentros entre Guay y Anés. Al verlos, sin mediar palabra, apuntó su fusil y de un impacto dertero cegó la vida de Guay, sin prever que al caer su cuerpo inerte a las mansas aguas, su amada iba a lanzarse al río en un sacraficio de amor eterno.

El joven militar corrió despavorido y confuso, con su fusil en mano, para dar aviso a la familia de Anés. Cuando regresaron al lugar de los hechos, encontraron ambos cuerpos sin vida, abrazados bajo el manto de agua cristalina.

El sacerdote del pueblo, en honor a ese amor incondicional, decidió nombrar el río Guayanés, en clara referencia a los enamorados: "Guay" y "Anés". Desde entonces, se atribuyen a las aguas del río Guayanés un encanto de amor.

[English translation:]
According to legend, the banks of the river that surround the town of Peñuelas served as the setting for the love affair of the young Spanish Anés and the courageous Indian Guay. The river and the Peñuelan greenery were silent witnesses of such intense feelings, but Anés' family did not consent to this union and ordered the death of such a gallant and respectful native.

The bloody task in question was entrusted to a young soldier who was in love, but unrequited, with the beautiful Spanish woman. He did not hesitate to accept, thus improving the chances of winning the young woman's heart. In a hurried run, the daring soldier approached the meeting place between Guay and Anés. Seeing them, without saying a word, he pointed his rifle and with a direct impact murdered Guay. When his limp body fell into the water, his beloved threw herself into the river after him.

With rifle in hand, the young soldier ran shocked and confused to notify Anés' family. When they returned to the scene, they found both lifeless bodies, embraced under the blanket of crystalline water.

The village priest, in honor of that unconditional love, decided to name the Guayanés River, in reference to the lovers: "Guay" and "Anés". Since then, a charm of love has been attributed to the waters of the Guayanés River.
 
Erected by Municipio
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Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & ArchaeologyIndigenous Peoples and CommunitiesNotable EventsWaterways & Vessels.
 
Location. 18° 3.42′ N, 66° 43.347′ W. Marker is in Peñuelas in Municipio de Peñuelas, Puerto Rico. It is at the intersection of Calle Pedro Velázquez Díaz (Puerto Rico Route 383) and Calle Cotto, on the left when traveling west on Calle Pedro Velázquez Díaz. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Penuelas PR 00624, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Southern Coastal Zone and in the Greater Ponce Area. Globally, it is one of the Greater Antilles on the Caribbean Sea, on in the Atlantic Ocean, in North America, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: El Güiro (here, next to this marker); Monumento al Soldado Caído (here, next to this marker); El Flamboyán (a few steps from this marker); Ángel Pacheco Alvarado
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(a few steps from this marker); Fuente Tipo "Bizcocho" (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Monumento al Soldado Caído (within shouting distance of this marker); La Locomotora "La Negra Cocola" (within shouting distance of this marker); Mariano Quiñones (approx. 0.4 kilometers away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Peñuelas.
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on March 27, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 1,012 times since then and 94 times this year. Photo   1. submitted on June 11, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
 
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Jul. 16, 2026