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Hi! I'm Gabriel and I’m from Mexico
You may recognize
Some of the well-known landmarks in my country
Like The Independence Angel
The Fine Arts Palace
The Latin-American Tower
Or Chapultepec Castle
But I want you to know a little about Leon
The place where I come from.
The City of Leon
Is the fifth most populous City in Mexico
And the largest City in the State of Guanajuato
Leon is known as "The Shoe Capital of the World"
And features large factories
That not only produce shoes
But also wallets
Purses
Boots
Belts
Jackets
And other leather accessories
Serving both National and International Markets
Leon is a great place for discounted shoes
Due to the foregoing reason and its excellent infrastructure
Leon has become an important commercial and business hub
That attracts businessmen seeking to carry out meetings
Congresses and Seminars
As well as visitors looking to enrich
Their cultural knowledge
Or even just to spend a unique vacation
A high percentage of the population in Leon
Makes a living from Tanneries
And Leather processing
From the production of different items and clothing
To their Confection and Commercialization
Thus, walking along Leon's streets and neighborhoods
It is easy to find huge factories, tanneries, and an endless array of stores
Markets, and malls specializing in these products.
Worldwide, Mexico ranks 10th in footwear manufacture.
Leon being the leading producer in the country
With almost two-thirds of the total production.
An interesting festivity that is a tradition in Leon
Is "The Combat of Flowers"
Celebrated on September 16
People of all ages come out to the Main Plaza
And the Founder's Garden
Though this is mostly practiced by teens and twenty-something
To exchange roses with someone you like
You can only exchange flowers with someone who has a flower
And if you accept one, tradition calls for a kiss.
The Day of the Dead (El Dia de los Muertos)
Is a Holiday celebrated in Mexico
The holiday focuses on gatherings of Family and Friends
To pray for and remember friends and family members who have died
The celebration occurs on the Second of November
Traditions include building private altars honoring the deceased
Using Sugar Skulls
Marigolds and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed
And visiting graves with these as gifts.
Leon not only attracts visitors and residents
With its great commerce and industry
It is also an enticing place for a pleasant vacation.
Leon Cathedral is one of the most representative in the city
For its religious value
As well as the beautiful cultural content of its decoration.
Explora Science Center is very interesting for children
And those who like to mix Knowledge and Fun
Explora features set of Museums and Interactive Science Centers
Also you can see one of the largest IMAX screens in Latin America
At the Leonardo Da Vinci Theater which holds 320 people.
The Expiatory Temple is a beautiful temple with an imposing Neo-Gothic Style
Where magnificent Stained Glass Windows can be admired
Its construction started in 1920
And stopped only temporarily during the "Cristera War"
The building now is only eighty percent of the original project
Its construction has been supported by charity and crypt sales
Which now are characteristic of the Expiatory Temple.
La Zona Peatonal (The Pedestrian Zone)
Is a picturesque place downtown
It is also known as "The Zocalito"
For those who like to stroll
And would enjoy the folklore that this destination radiates
This pedestrian area is closed to automobile traffic
And is surrounded by the main monuments and historic buildings of Leon
Such as "La Plaza Fundadores"
The Cathedral, The Lions' Fountain, and the Main Square.
At Leon's Zoological Park
You will admire a vast assortment of animal species
From huge mammals such as Polar Bears and impressive Elephants
To Birds with majestic feathers and small Monkeys
A special feature of this place is the Nightly Safari
This tour allows you to become better acquainted with animals
Which due to their instinct and nature are considered nocturnal.
Since 2004 the City has hosted the headquarters of the Rally Mexico
Part of the World Rally Championship
Thousands of fans camp at the nearby "Sierra de Lobos" to watch the Rally
Although this is now a Famous International Competition
The festivities that accompany the event make it a truly Mexican Party.
The International Hot Air Balloon Festival takes place in the Metropolitan Park
Now established as the best and biggest such festival in Latin America
And one of the most important in the world
The International Hot Air Balloon Festival sees the sky filled with Hot Air Balloons
Manned by pilots from all over the world
After sundown it's “Magic Nights”
A beautiful show of "Light and Sound" in which the burners of the balloons
Anchored to the Earth, will be lit
Simultaneously creating a beautiful picture you will never forget!
Among all the privileges of Leon
We must mention that it is a worthy representative of Mexican Cuisine
People from Leon have a predilection for meat dishes
For example, the famous "Carnitas" (a type of fried pork)
"Birria" (Bouillon with Lamb)
"Menudo," and the traditional "Guacamayas"
(Crisp pork rind in salt bread with chili sauce).
"Plaza Mayor" is without a doubt the favorite Mall of Leon's citizens
And visitors for its ample variety of stores
Where shopping is truly a pleasure.
Shopping at " La Linea de Fuego" is a unique experience
This is a Sunday "Tianguis" (that means "Flea Market")
Where you find everything from a wide assortment of clothes
And footwear to stands that offer typical snacks of the region
Besides the articles and products offered
It is a space where visitors can become acquainted
With the inhabitants' Way of Life
And one of their favorite venues.
For all these things and more
Nowadays Leon is called “The Best City to Live”.