Abril de Sarón Fair

The origins of the Sarón April Fair date back to the early 20th century, when farmers and craftsmen from the region would travel to the town of Santa María de Cayón to trade and sell their goods. As in so many other municipalities in Cantabria, street vending emerged as part of the agricultural calendar and livestock fairs, and over the generations it became established as one of the town’s most important social and economic gatherings.

With the arrival of the 21st century and the economic transformation of rural areas, the weekly street market in Santa María de Cayón evolved: it gave way to large textile and footwear stalls, incorporated vendors from other provinces, and became professionalized under municipal regulations. Many of today’s market traders are third- or fourth-generation members of families that have been attending this event for decades, maintaining a direct connection to the town’s commercial fabric.

Today, the Sarón April Fair retains that popular essence while adapting to new trends: organic products, contemporary crafts, local cuisine, and a close relationship with consumers that large shopping centers cannot offer. The town council and the vendors’ association work together to preserve its traditional character right in the heart of Santa María de Cayón.