La Tradicional de Salgado

History and Heritage

Established in 1860, La Tradicional de Salgado stands as one of Celaya's oldest family-run enterprises, earning the Empresa Bicentenaria recognition in 2010 for its enduring legacy among Mexico's top historic businesses. Rooted in Guanajuato's dulce tradition, it specializes in cajeta de Celaya, a goat milk caramel slow-cooked in copper vats, alongside dulces de leche like jamoncillos and chiclosos.

Factory and Production

At Benito Juárez 109 in Colonia Centro, the factory doubles as a tourist hub where guests witness traditional methods unchanged for generations. Artisans produce cajeta in flavors such as natural, vainilla, envinada, and quemada, plus unique items like crema de cajeta al agave, rollos de frutas with filling, mazapanes de cacahuate, tamarindo candies, natillas, salsas, garapiñados, and palanquetas. Over 100 products showcase meticulous craftsmanship and fresh ingredients.

Tourist Tours and Experiences

Daily unreserved tours from 10am to 3pm Monday to Saturday invite visitors into the production areas. For broader exploration, the El Cajete tranvía tour departs from Jardín Principal, covering 30 historic sites including the factory and Celaya's Mummy Museum, with adult tickets at $120 and child/inapam at $80 on weekends and peak seasons.

Location and Accessibility

Just two blocks from Celaya's main plaza, the spacious store offers tastings before purchase, warm service, and fair prices. Open daily from 9am, until 8:30pm weekdays/Saturday and 7pm Sundays, it's ideal for quick stops or immersive visits amid the vibrant centro histórico.

Cultural Significance

As Celaya's premier cajeta maker, it embodies the city's title as the world's sweetest, drawing locals and travelers for authentic flavors and stories of familial dedication passed through generations.