The delegate of the Government in Cantabria, Eugenia Gómez de Diego, participated this Thursday in the inauguration of the XXV edition of the Anchovy and Preserve Fair of Cantabria, a contest that this year premieres the recognition as a Festival of Regional Tourist Interest and that has started in a festive atmosphere in which both the canning tradition of Cantabria and the role of the fishing and agri-food sector have been claimed.
During his speech, Gómez de Diego congratulated “the Santoñeses and Santoñesas” for this double recognition, since in addition to the distinction for the fair, the Government of Spain has declared this week the carnivals of Santoña as a Festival of National Tourist Interest.
“We must not explain to any Cantabrian what the carnival of Santoña means because it is one of the best known, historical and vibrant in our region,” said the delegate, who highlighted the involvement of the people in a celebration with more than 150 years of history.
Gómez de Diego has reviewed the history of the carnival, from its origin in 1864, its prohibition during the Civil War and the dictatorship, to its recovery in 1981 thanks to the neighborhood impulse. “I would especially like to congratulate the residents of Santoña for putting so much love, color and passion into their carnival,” he said, stressing the value of the murgas as a “key element of citizen participation and artistic expression.”
On the occasion of May Day, International Labor Day, the representative of the Central Executive has focused on the effort of the workers of the sea and the canning sector, “strong hands that hold nets, that also sew them and that dominate the art of overlay and filleting”.
“Today is a good day to pay tribute to those who perform hard work, sometimes poorly paid, but who are part of an evolving, innovative and essential sector for many families,” said Gómez de Diego.
The delegate has invited neighbors and visitors to “enjoy some good anchovies”, a product that she has defined as “one of our best gastronomic ambassadors” and has encouraged to “taste with joy and buy such a product of ours”.
The Anchovy and Preserve Fair of Cantabria, held in Santoña, is a showcase of the star product of the Cantabrian coast and a meeting point between tradition, industry and tourism.
Gómez de Diego participated in the inauguration together with the president of Cantabria, María José Sáenz de Buruaga; the councillors of Rural Development, Livestock, Fisheries and Food, María Jesús Susinos, and Fomento, Roberto Media; the mayor of Santoña, Jesús Gullart, and other members of the local Corporation; the main patron of Santoña, Miguel Fernández, and the president of the Confradía de la Anchoa, Agustín Sampedro.
Also present was the deputy mayor of the Sicilian municipality of Terrasini (Italy), Fabio Viviano, who is twinned with Santoña.