Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico

🇲🇽 Irapuato is a Mexican city located at the foot of the Arandas Hills, 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 (5,656 ft) above sea level. The city is the second-largest in the state. The municipality includes numerous smaller outlying communities. Although it is now an important centre for regional trade and transportation centre 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 In the pre-Hispanic era, the site was inhabited by the Chichimecas (c. 1200 AD), 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 (or Iriquitzio), which the Spanish conquerors pronounced "Jiricuato" (or Jiricuicho), which meant "the place with houses (or low dwellings)". 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 200 or 300 people killed when a dam burst, sending a seven-foot (2.1 m) high wall of water crashing into the city. Many people were left stranded on roofs and high places for days before they were rescued.

Transport: Air 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 (its correct name is Aeropuerto Internacional de Guanajuato (Guanajuato International Airport)) (IATA: BJX) 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: • Mexican Federal Highway 45 Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua - Panales, Hidalgo • Mexican Federal Highway 90 Irapuato, Guanajuato - Zapotlanejo, Jalisco • Mexican Federal Highway 43 Salamanca, Guanajuato - Morelia, Michoacán • Mexican Federal Highway 110 Armería, Colima - Xoconostle, Guanajuato

Education The city of Irapuato is home to some private universities including a branch of the University of the Incarnate Word, a Catholic university based in the United States, and a single public university, the Higher Technological Institute of Irapuato (ITESI).

The city is also home to a research centre of the Center for Advanced Research and Studies (CINVESTAV) specialising in plant biotechnology and genetics and the newly created National Center of Plant Genomics.

Sport The local football team is Irapuato FC.

Stadiums and arenas • Estadio Sergio Leon Chavez • Plaza de Toros • Parque Irekua • Golf Club Santa Margarita.