Irapuato


Irapuato is a Mexican city located at the foot of the Arandas Hill, in the central region of the state of Guanajuato. It lies between the Silao River and the Guanajuato River, a tributary of the Lerma River, at 1,724 m above sea level. It is located at. The city is the second-largest in the state, with a population of 342,561 according to the 2005 census, while its municipality has a population of 529,440. The municipality has an area of 845.16 km² and includes numerous smaller outlying communities. Although it is now an important center for regional trade and transportation center as well the site of several automotive and chemical manufacturing plants, the city's main industry has historically been agriculture and it has long been known for its strawberries and the raising of pigs and cattle. The fruits and flowers of Irapuato's luxurious gardens are well-known throughout Mexico.

History

Prehispanic era

In the pre-Hispanic era, the site was inhabited by the Chichimecas, a group of semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers. Later on, the Purépechas conquered the region and initiated the establishment of a permanent settlement. They constructed buildings in the Purépecha architectural style, produced pottery, and practiced agriculture. They called the settlement Xiriquitzio, which the Spanish conquerors pronounced "Jiricuato", which meant "the place with houses ". The initial growth period, however, was short lived. The downfall of the Purépecha Empire led to the abandonment of the settlement, at which point it was once again inhabited by the Chichimecas.

Conquest

In the 16th century, vasts amounts of silver ore were discovered at the present day site of the capital city of Guanajuato. This discovery led to a massive migration of Spanish settlers to the area.

Flood

On 18 August 1973, thousands of homes were destroyed and an estimated 300 people killed when a dam burst, sending a seven-foot-high wall of water crashing into the city.

Massacres

s occurred at drug rehabilitation centres on 6 June and 1 July 2020.

Climate

It has a humid subtropical climate with an average temperature of 20 °C. The large majority of rainfall occurs from June - September. It is at an altitude above sea level of 1724 meters.

Transportation

Airport

Irapuato is a 2 or 3 hour flight from cities including Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Mexico City, Monterrey, Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, among others. Located just 25 minutes from the city of Irapuato the Del Bajío International Airport is an international airport located in Silao, close to Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico. It handles national and international air traffic of the area that includes the cities of León, Irapuato, and the state capital, Guanajuato. Guanajuato International Airport is an important connecting point for some flights from Mexico City to the United States.

Major highways

Major highways in Irapuato and their starting and ending points:

Strawberries

This is the symbol of the city there are many dishes you can do with it like cheese cake for example, but the most important are strawberries with cream and sugar.

Pastor tacos

This is a meat that is prepared with spices, is put in a tortilla with onion and cilantro covered by a sauce that can be red, avocado sauce or habanero sauce.

Enchiladas mineras

This a tortilla with cheese covered by a sauce with potatoes and carrots.

Traditional Mexican food

You can find many dishes like pambazos, pozole, etc..

Education

The city of Irapuato is home to some private universities, and a single public university:
The city is home to a research center of the Center for Advanced Research and Studies specialized in plant biotechnology and genetics and the newly created National Center of Plant Genomics.
Some of the private universities include:
The local football team is Irapuato FC.

Stadiums and arenas

Sister cities