Manatí (Spanish pronunciation: [manaˈti]) is a city and municipality of Puerto Rico on the northern coast.

The Iglesia Nuestra Señora de la Candelaria church was built in the seventeenth century and is still standing in its original spot.

It was Juan Ponce de León who identified the Manatí section of the Manuatabón River as the inaugural site for gold panning efforts.

The Aulet family possessed extensive lands that were abundant in pineapples, sugar cane, and green bananas.

[citation needed] In 1853, the region experienced a significant transition from mining to an expansion of agricultural practices, with particular emphasis on the cultivation and processing of sugar cane.

[citation needed] Puerto Rico was ceded by Spain in the aftermath of the Spanish–American War 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, concluding that the population of Manatí was of 13,989 people.

Highways were rendered impassable due to the accumulation of debris and flooding, leaving numerous communities isolated and without means of communication.

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