Seniors Visit “The Shoe Capital of the World”

León is a city in the Mexican state of Guanajuato and is the sixth largest city  in the country with a population of just over 100,000. Officially founded in 1577, León is just one of many historically and culturally rich destinations in the Bajío region.

The city is on the main rail line between El Paso, Texas and Mexico City, is a commercial, agricultural, and mining center and one of Mexico’s leading shoe manufacturers. The city’s mines yield gold, copper, silver, lead, and tin.

Senior visitors will not be wanting for things to see and do in León.  The Museo de Arte e Historia de Guanajuato provides a colorful insight into the history of the city, with expositions ranging from 13th Century Chichimecas, to the massacre of 1946 within the Plaza of Martyrs.

Seniors Find Leather Industry In León

The city is full of history and fun things to take in. It has a strong leather industry, offering shoes, boots, belts, jackets, and other leather accessories both to national and international markets. Shoe City is thriving owing to its leather industry of over 200 years and is home to some big outsourced brands produced locally, including Nike and Madden.

Senior visitors will not want to miss the Arco Triunfal that was constructed in 1893 and today remains a symbol of the city and the independence of Mexico. Created for the 83rd independence anniversary, it is still highly regarded as an important monument in the city.

León has a long history of supplying goods: in the 16th century it was the center of Mexico’s ranching district, providing meat for the mining towns and processing hides. The world famous León Fair is one of the most important in the country and yearly draws thousands of Mexicans and world visitors alike.

Millions flock to the city for the fair with agricultural displays, music, dancing, carnival rides and bullfights. Naturally, hundreds of shoemakers have displays that invite you to take home a few pairs of quality shoes as wearable souvenirs. Another major draw in Léon is the Casa de Cultura Diego Rivera.

Seniors Taste Old Mexico in León

León is a fun place to get a taste of Old Mexico with its flavors and city sites. León is an industrial colonial-era city with a lovely historic heart that centers on the tree-lined Plaza Principal (main plaza). Furthermore the city is known for its impressive baroque- and neoclassical-style architecture, cultural venues, shopping and attractions.

The pedestrian area surrounding the main plaza and the adjoining Plaza de los Fundadores is where senior tourists will find many shops, restaurants and interesting cafés. Sights of interest in the historic center of León include a cultural center, theater, contemporary art museum and the twin-towered cathedral with its lovely baroque facade.

Senior travelers, put León on your itinerary for your next visit to Mexico. jeb