Bonao | ||
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Coordinates: 18°57′0″N 70°24′36″W / 18.95000°N 70.41000°W | ||
Country | Dominican Republic | |
Province | Monseñor Nouel | |
Founded | 1495 | |
Municipality since | 1865 | |
Area | ||
• Total | 664.37 km2 (256.51 sq mi) | |
Elevation | 173 m (568 ft) | |
Population (2012) | ||
• Total | 158,034 | |
• Density | 240/km2 (620/sq mi) | |
• Urban | 60,044 | |
Distance to – Santo Domingo |
85 km |
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Municipal Districts |
5 |
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Climate | Af |
Bonao is the capital of Monseñor Nouel province, Dominican Republic. It is located in the center of the country, to the northwest of the national capital Santo Domingo.
The city is known as "Villa De Las Hortensias" - the town of hydrangeas. The Hortensia is the local flower of Bonao.
Motorcycles (especially mini-bikes and scooters also known as 'PASOLA') are the most common form of transportation in the city. There are also taxi and car rental services available. DR-1 (Autopista Duarte) bypasses the city to the east.
A popular annual attraction is the Carnival. Groups that parade in the Carnival start out in "caves" (typically a blocked-off street) where loud music is played. Costumes are often slightly demonic in nature. During Carnival season, there is often a concert in the town square (El Parque Duarte), on Saturday night.
Major League Baseball pitcher Carlos Mármol is from Bonao. Also the singer and music composer, Hector Acosta 'El Torito', is proudly one of the icons of the country. Nelson de la Hoya is another icon in the musical history of Bonao. Luis Días, composer of the popular song "Baile en la Calle" was born in Bonao. Toronto Blue Jays third basemen Juan Francisco "Baby Huey" is from Bonao. Hansel Robles, relief pitcher for the NY Mets is also from Bonao.
Coordinates: 18°57′0″N 70°24′36″W / 18.95000°N 70.41000°W