Barretos

Barretos, city, north-central São Paulo estado (state), Brazil. It lies near the Pardo River at 1,713 feet (522 metres) above sea level. Known at various times as Amaral dos Barretos, Espírito Santo de Barreto, and Espírito Santo dos Barretos, the settlement was given town status and was made the seat of a municipality in 1885. The site of the state’s biggest cattle market and one of the world’s largest annual rodeos, Barretos also serves an agricultural area producing citrus fruits and other crops. Its industries include meatpacking and the manufacture of shoes, furniture, and farm machinery. A railroad line and highway connect Barretos with the cities of São Paulo some 250 miles (400 km) to the southeast, São José do Rio Prêto some 60 miles (96 km) to the west, and Franca about 80 miles (130 km) to the east. Barretos also has an airfield. Pop. (2010) 112,101.