San Sebastián (Puerto Rico)

SAN SEBASTIÁN

Official blazon

Origin/meaning

The three arrows represent the patron saint of the village, Saint Sebastian. The arrows are the attribute of this saint. According to tradition he was killed with arrows by his pursuers, giving this way testimony of faith. The arrows that appear in the old seal of the population perpetuate the use of its symbolism.

The red colour of the shield has in addition another symbolism; the faith of the martyr. It recalls that San Sebastián was the first town of Puerto Rico in the course of a combat operation, blood for the national freedom of Puerto Rico was spilled. It was in effect, in the plaza of the town, next to the Parochial Church, on September 24, 1868, where by the gun fire of loyal milicianos of the Spanish regime, Venancio Roman fell along with other patriots of Lares who came to occupy the military quarters of Pepino.

The mountains, represent the characteristic mountains (Pepinos) that dominate the area from which it derives its name. The sugar cane and coffee branches represent the main agricultural products of the zone where the population is based.