CELAYA

city, south-central Guanajuato estado (state), north-central Mexico. It is in the fertile Bajo region on the Mexican Plateau, 2.5 miles (4 km) north of the Laja River and 5,774 feet (1,760 m) above sea level. Founded as Pursima Concepcin de Celaya in 1571, the city played an important role in 19th-century Mexican history when it changed hands several times during Mexico's struggle for independence from Spain. General lvaro Obregn defeated Pancho Villa at Celaya in 1915. With irrigation waters now available from the upper Lerma River, Celaya has become an important agricultural and livestock-raising centre. Corn (maize), beans, wheat, and chick-peas (garbanzos) are the principal crops, and cattle, pigs, and goats are raised. Dairying and the manufacture of candy (it is noted for its cajetas de Celaya, made of burnt sugar and milk) and textiles provide additional income. Lying approximately 30 miles (48 km) west of Quertaro and about 50 miles (80 km) southeast of Guanajuato city, the state capital, Celaya is a major railroad and highway junction. Francisco Eduardo Tresguerras (17651833), architect, sculptor, painter, and poet, was born and did much of his work there. The Church of Nuestra Seora del Carmen (1807), considered his best work, is outstanding for the beauty of its dome. His other works include the Independence Monument in the main plaza, a bridge over the Laja, and altars in the colonial Church of San Francisco (1715), where he is buried. Pop. (1980) 141,675.