Fajardo (Spanish pronunciation: [faˈxaɾðo]) is a town and a municipality part of the San Juan-Caguas-Fajardo Combined Statistical Area in Puerto Rico.

Fajardo is the hub of much of the recreational boating in Puerto Rico and a popular launching port to Culebra, Vieques, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

On August 1, 1898 the USS Puritan under the command of Captain Frederic W. Rodgers, sailed the coastline near the city of Fajardo when he spotted the Faro de Las Cabezas de San Juan (Cape San Juan lighthouse), which was supposed to be the landing site for the US Army in Puerto Rico.

Rodgers ordered some of his men ashore, including Puerto Rican volunteers, with the mission to post the American flag atop the lighthouse.

[2] After the Spanish–American War, Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain under the terms of the Treaty of Paris of 1898 and became a territory of the United States.

In 1899, the United States Department of War conducted a census of Puerto Rico and determined that the population of Fajardo was 16,782.

The municipal buildings, central square and large Catholic church are located in a barrio referred to as "el pueblo".

The Fiestas Patronales de Santiago Apostol is a religious and cultural celebration that generally features parades, games, artisans, amusement rides, regional food, and live entertainment.

[26][7] The festival has featured live performances by well-known artists such as Tito Nieves, Johnny Ventura and Sonora Ponceña.

The 3,800 capacity stadium was developed at a cost of $3.9M,[28] and opened December 12, 2015 and is home venue of Puerto Rico Sol.

The current mayor of Fajardo is José Aníbal "Joey" Meléndez Méndez, of the New Progressive Party (PNP).

On February 19, 2020, he took over for his father Aníbal Meléndez Rivera, who resigned after 31 years as mayor, citing health concerns.

[40] The coat of arms is formed as a square with a rounded base and stamped at the top with a crown mural of three towers.