Gilroy

Town in Santa Clara County, west-central California; population (1990) 31,500. It is situated in the Santa Clara Valley, 48 km/30 mi south-southeast of San Jose. It is widely known as the ‘Garlic Capital of the World’; although garlic is now chiefly grown elsewhere in California, Gilroy processes most of the crop, and holds a huge Garlic Festival in July. Fruit, vegetables, cattle, and poultry are also raised, and the area is noted for its wineries and vineyards. Manufactures include farm equipment, paint, fibreglass, and paper products. It is home to Gavilan Community College (1919).