By Robin Thornley
Irapuato is a colonial city in the heart of
Mexico where the mild climate and fertile soils have combined to make it one of the most productive agricultural areas in the country. The climate is benign year-round with few extremes in temperature. Both residents and visitors to of this area, known as the Bajio, enjoy outdoor activities like soccer and the art of the charro, loosely translated as Mexican rodeo, year-round.
Agriculture
Dubbed "The Strawberry Capital of the World," Irapuato celebrates its famed crop with a large celebration in March at the city's fairgrounds. Throughout the area, farmers sell fresh strawberries in season and jars of jam at roadside stands year-round. The region also produces broccoli and asparagus, much of it exported to the U.S., making it the center of large scale Mexican agriculture.
Geography
Irapuato lies on a plain between two rivers and at the foot of the mountains and its name is said to drive from an Indian word meaning "where hill meets the plain." The area is dubbed the Bajio, Spanish for plain, to distinguish it from the more hilly northern region of the state of Guanajuato where mining was a major industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. Western winds coming off the mountains cool the valley in wintertime, making the evenings chilly, but not cold. Winds from the south and southwest bring rains in the summer.
Annual Temperatures
In the summer, daytime temperatures are in the 80s and fall to the 50s at night. Winter temperatures are in the mid-60s during the day, sometimes lower, and fall into the 40s at night. Freezes are extremely rare and the humidity is low year-round.
Rainfall
Mid-summer brings rain to the Bajio and July is the wettest month with an average rainfall of 4.4 inches. Winter months are dry with little rainfall. The weather rarely interferes with two passions held by the residents of the city--soccer games held at Irapuato's large stadium and charros, the skillful exhibitions of equestrian skills. The World Charro Congress, the ruling body, is headquartered in Irapuato.
Historic heart
The lack of sudden changes in the weather mirrors the region's reputation for stability and conservatism in politics and religion--ironic since the residents of Irapuato, like their neighbors in San Miguel de Allende and the city of Guanajuato, played an important role in Mexico's tumultuous battle for independence from Spain.
Resources
About the Author:
Robin Thornley has been a successful writer for more than 25 years, penning articles for national magazines, newspapers and websites. She specializes in a variety of topics, including business, politics, lifestyle trends, travel and cuisine. She also is the author of two guidebooks.
