Historical Overview

Moca was founded in 1772 in northwestern Puerto Rico, separating from Aguada to establish its own parish dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate, formally constituted in 1775. The town takes its name from the moca tree native to the region and is situated in fertile agricultural land bordered by Aguada, Aguadilla, Añasco, Isabela, and San Sebastián. Moca is internationally known for its tradition of mundillo lacemaking, a craft of Spanish origin preserved across generations by local artisans. Genealogical research benefits from parish records dating to the late 18th century and civil registration records from 1885 onward.

Coat of Arms

The coat of arms of Moca features the moca tree, which gives the municipality its name, alongside symbols representing the religious heritage of the Virgen de la Monserrate, patron saint of the parish founded in 1775. Spanish colonial roots are reflected in the heraldic design, honoring the town's 1772 founding as a daughter municipality of Aguada.

Barrios

Genealogical records often identify individuals by barrio. Moca has 12 barrios:

Aceitunas
Capá
Centro
Cerro Gordo
Cruz
Cuchillas
Marías
Naranjo
Plata
Pueblo
Rocha
Voladoras

Neighboring Municipalities

Also check records in neighboring municipalities:

Aguada — San Francisco de Asís
Aguadilla — San Carlos Borromeo
Añasco — San Antonio Abad
Isabela — San Antonio de Padua
San Sebastián — San Sebastián Mártir

Historical Maps

Historical maps help identify barrios, boundaries, and communities as they existed in the past. Maps from the 18th and 19th centuries are preferred.

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Historical maps coming soon

Genealogy Toolkit

Civil Records

Began in 1885

Covers births, marriages, and deaths.

⬇ Search Civil Records

Parish Records

Parish: Nuestra Señora de la Monserrate

Records from 1775

⬇ Search Catholic Records

Digital Archives

FamilySearch: Moca Civil and parish records
Find A Grave: Moca Cemetery index
FamilySearch: Puerto Rico Genealogy Complete records guide