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 Capital:
Guanajuato
State Population:
4,855,000
Description:
The
state of Guanajuato is located in the central highlands of
Mexico. It was one of the first areas of Mexico to be colonized
by the Spanish in the 1520s. The name Guanajuato originates
from the indigenous dialect of the region and means “Place
of frogs” because it was believed that the area was
fit only for frogs. Little did these indigenous tribes know
of the great resources and vast wealth that would come from
under the ground.
The Spanish discovered massive silver deposits in Guanajuato
and built several mines to exploit these fine metal resources.
The Valenciana mine in the capital city of Guanajuato accounted
for 2/3 of the world’s silver production in the 18th
century. The mines of this rich state still produce large
quantities of silver, gold, tin, copper, mercury and opals.
The city of Guanajuato is famous for its beautiful and magnificent
buildings and churches. A focal point is the Teatro Juarez.
This theater, built in 1903, is a truly awe-inspiring display
of artistry and craftsmanship, with every inch of the interior
being carved, painted, sculpted or embossed. The city plays
host to the annual International Cervantino Festival, named
in honor of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of “Don
Quixote.” The city has a distinctly European flavor,
more so than any other Mexican city, due to its narrow alleyways
that criss-cross the city and the dozens of plazas that decorate
the center of Guanajuato.
This state also has several thermal water springs. At many
of these springs, recreation and healthcare centers have been
built, the most well-known being Celaya, Abasolo and Apaseo
El Grande.
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