Ferias y Fiestas de San Mateo en Reinosa

Introduction and local significance

Las Ferias y Fiestas de San Mateo in Reinosa officially take place from 19 to 27 September 2026. This event, classified as a patron saint festival, brings together a wide range of cultural, musical and agricultural activities. The programme offers an insight into the identity of this area of Cantabria, where events unfold to integrate both local participation and the influx of visitors interested in ethnography and local culture, making it a key meeting point during these dates.

Historical origins and tradition

The current format of the festivities is the result of the consolidation of various cultural and social milestones over the decades. A defining element of the programme is the parade of artistic floats, which in the 2026 edition marks its 84th anniversary, reflecting a continuous history in the artisanal and creative work of the participants. This tradition is complemented by the Livestock Fair and the Hispano-Breton horse exhibition, which keep the town's bond with its farming roots alive.

Within this framework, the Día de Campoo stands out as one of the most representative days on the calendar. This festivity has held official recognition as a Festival of Tourist Interest since 1977, a distinction that highlights the uniqueness of its rites and the preservation of local customs. In addition, the intellectual side of the celebration is maintained through the Justas Literarias and the José Calderón Escalada National Short Story Prize, events that add an academic and literary component to the celebrations as a whole, providing balance to an eminently recreational programme.

Programme and main events

The festive offerings of the Ferias y Fiestas de San Mateo in Reinosa are extensive and distributed to cover the different interests of the public. The official kick-off begins with the opening parade and the opening speech given by the Peña Bombay, leading into a week of continuous activity. Among the highlights of the programme, which can be viewed in full at the top of this page, are milestones such as the Grand Parade of Artistic Floats, the closing of the bowling competition, the concert by Ramoncín and performances by various orchestras that liven up the nights.

In addition, the programme includes competitive and sporting events, such as the Trial Ciudad de Reinosa, and commercial events with the Trade and Craft Fair. The closing day, centred around the Día de Campoo, marks the high point of local tradition. It is advisable to check the detailed programme for the exact locations of concerts and shows, as the distribution of events covers significant spaces such as the Plaza de España, the Teatro Principal “José Andrés García” and the Campa 39200.

Traditional festival food

The backbone of the culinary offerings during the festive dates is the Pinchos Competition (tapas competition). This gastronomic contest opens simultaneously with the opening of the fair stalls, establishing a format where visitors can tour various dining spots to taste small culinary creations. The proposal of this fair focuses on boosting local hospitality through this contest, which invites visitors to try specialities that combine local ingredients with modern culinary techniques. There are no single or fixed dishes for these dates beyond what the participating establishments offer within the dynamics of the competition, allowing for a variety of options adapted to the seasonal produce of the Campoo region.

Visitor guide and where to stay

To get to Reinosa, it is advisable to plan your journey in advance, especially considering the traffic restrictions that may arise from the parades and the increase in visitors during the main days. The use of public transport is recommended whenever possible. On the busiest days, it is preferable to look for parking outside the town centre, as traffic on the main streets is affected by the routes of the parades and the location of the stalls.

Regarding accommodation, the offer is concentrated in the municipality and neighbouring towns. It is advisable to book in advance, as demand increases considerably during these dates. To facilitate attendance at events, especially evening ones, staying within Reinosa is the most practical option. Before making the trip, it is recommended to check the official programme, as the times and locations of events may undergo organisational changes. Coordinating travel with the times of concerts or parades will allow you to make the most of your stay without hitches, letting you enjoy the traditions and activities that define the town during the second half of September.